Library Board

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

If you are interested in joining the Library Board we encourage you to have a look at this description of the role and responsibilities of Library Board Trustees.

https://www.bclta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/BCLTA-Quick-Guide.2021.01.08.pdf.

Let us know if you have any questions by emailing libraryboard@trail.ca or, drop into the Library and have a quick chat with our Library Director, Samantha Murphy.


The Trail & District Public Library is directed by a volunteer Board appointed by the Trail City Council.

What’s the library Board up to?

There’s three ways to find out:

  1. Ask a Board member:
    In person or

  2. Read the minutes of our meetings

  3. Attend a meeting

Our board meetings are open to the public. We unusually meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month beginning at 3 pm, at the Library. You are welcome to join us either as an observer or to present a particular issue for the Board to consider. If you would like to attend a meeting as an observer please contact us no later than the Monday before the scheduled meeting. If there is an issue that you would like to bring to the Board’s attention please contact us a week before the scheduled meeting and let us know the subject matter that you would like to speak to.


  • Jeff Jones - Board Chair
  • vacant - Vice Chair
  • Catherine McCormick
  • Mark Wilson
  • Nick Cashol, Trail Councilor
  • Jacqueline Patridge (Warfield Rep)

Joanne-web.jpg

In Memoriam, Joanne Beetstra, former Vice Chair

Always eloquent, Joanne told us a story about herself. However, she didn’t write about her compassion, and what a tremendous source of good she was in this world. Her sense of humor made even the most cynical laugh, and she skipped over the parts about her boundless energy, her sincere curiosity and infectious desire to somehow make the world a better place – one step at a time.

Of course, we can’t forget her love of a good pun and a play on words. Her favorite day of the year was “Talk Like a Pirate Day” –

Aargh Matey, ye be takin’ leave o’ us then? We be wishin’ ye a fair wind and clear skies.

Joanne joined the Trail & District Public Library Board of Trustees in January, 2018 following her appointment by the Warfield Village Council. She served as Vice Chair on the Board and also represented the library on the Kootenay Library Federation Board.

Joanne was born and raised in Warfield, leaving after high school graduation to continue her education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) from the University of British Columbia and also obtained certification in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Joanne worked primarily at Vancouver General Hospital in a variety of critical care/specialty care areas including Neonatal Intensive Care, Burn Unit, Adult Intensive Care, and Post Anaesthesia Care.

In 2017, Joanne retired after a 40 year career in nursing. During this time she was able to explore many interests within the profession including front line nurse, research nurse, Head Nurse (Burn Unit), clinical educator, and nurse clinician. In addition, she was a course writer and periodic instructor for the BCIT Critical Care Nursing program. She authored several articles dealing with nursing issues and, along with her co-author, was the recipient of the *Article of the Year” award from the Journal of Nursing Staff Development. She was honoured to receive an *Excellence in Nursing Education* award from the Registered Nurses Association of BC and the Joan Russel Nursing Mentorship Award, a peer-nominated award sponsored by the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation.

Joanne believed that self-direction, life-long learning and critical thinking are essential survival skills. She saw the library playing a pivotal role in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop or refine these capacities. She was also tremendously proud of the energy, creativity and dedication of the Director and staff of our public library and was honoured to support them in the trustee role.


Jeff Jones- Board Chair

Jeff moved to the West Kootenays in 2010, and settled in Trail in 2017. He has served on the Trail and District Library Board since January of 2018, and was acclaimed as Chair in November, 2018. The majority of his childhood and youth was spent in Red Deer, Alberta. At the University of Calgary, Jeff completed a B.Ed with a focus on Children’s Theatre and Developmental Drama, and an M.A. with a focus on Organizational Development and Leadership.

In 2017 Jeff retired from his role as Superintendent of Schools, after a 31 year career in Public Education which included teaching elementary school, instruction and supervision in the teacher education program at the University of Calgary, school-based administration and various district leadership roles. Since retirement from Public Education Jeff has dabbled in the world of retail, and presently is working in office administration in the construction sector.

Over the past several years Jeff has served at different times on the British Columbia Teachers’ Council, the BC Disciplinary and Professional Conduct Board, the British Columbia School Superintendents’ Association, and as a Director with the Calgary Police Youth Interpretive Centre with the Calgary Police.

Jeff believes the Library is a cornerstone of our community as a safe, welcoming place for all; a gateway to the past, present and future. He understands that the Library must be responsive to the changing needs of the communities we serve, and therefore must be forward thinking, dynamic and current.


Mark Wilson

I have lived in the Trail community most of my life - with my family of 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.

I taught at the local high school for 35 years - then worked as a Realtor for 12 years - and currently am busy with Real Estate investment and management.

I look forward to give back to my community. I am now a Library representative for the City of Trail along with being a local school district Trustee.


Jacqueline Patridge

I was born in Trail and graduated from J.L. Crowe High School.  Throughout the years I moved to Vancouver, Kelowna and Calgary.  I received my CGA in 1987.   Throughout the years I worked in Public Practice and with several privately owned companies as an Accounting Manager. I worked in a winery in Kelowna and an a Oil and Gas Engineering company in Calgary, but I always knew I was never really home.   I came home about 10 years ago.   Following a life long interest in politics, I accepted a position as the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Village of Warfield,  I enjoyed this opportunity to give back to my community.   I am now a Library representative for the Village of Warfield. 


Nick Cashol, Trail Councilor

I was pleased to be appointed by Mayor Jones to be the council delegate to the Library Board. After 27 years with the RCMP followed by work in human services and with Habitat for Humanity  I hope to bring a well-rounded perspective to the Board.  I intend to support our dedicated staff in promoting our values and goals on diversity, collaboration, inclusivity,  environment and accessibility , where I believe our library is setting a great example.


Catherine McCormick

I am Catherine McCormick and I moved to the Kootenays in 2006 from SK.  At that time I resided in Kaslo and worked on the Kaslo & District Public Library Board for 8 years from 2007 - 2015 and as Board Chair for 2 years.  After purchasing a home in Trail in 2017 I thought it was time to get back into library work and I am pleased to have been appointed to the Board.  

Reading, gardening, playing bridge, and knitting are passions of mine and I enjoy most outdoor pursuits, particularly hiking and biking.  


Janet Bodnarchuk

My name is Janet Bodnarchuk. I have been a resident of Trail on and off since 1993. I grew up in Prince Edward Island and headed west to Fort McMurray in 1981, where I met my husband, who was eventually transferred to Trail with the RCMP. I worked with the City of Trail (RCMP Detachment) for 14 years and recently retired. We love this area and decided to make it our retirement home. I wanted to give back to the city that has given so much to us over the past 25 years and applied to be a library board member. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful facility in our midst, run by a dedicated staff.