ESTEVAN — The new branch manager of the Estevan Public Library is excited to move into the role and to be in the Energy City.
Blazy Abraham started with the library earlier in January. She is originally from India, came to Canada in early 2022, and brings varied experiences as a management professional, with organizations such as Deloitte and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. She has also worked in a library previously.
Abraham has a master of business administration from India, a post-graduate certificate in business management from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and a post-graduate certificate in human resource management from Niagara College in Ontario.
She said she wanted to be the librarian for Estevan because she said she enjoys interacting with the public and she is an avid reader.
“I think that this role will give me a lot of exposure to serve the community here in Estevan and make new connections with people,’ she said in an interview with SaskToday.
The community, the library and its staff have made a favourable first impression on Abraham.
“It’s quite a nice place. We have a lot of patrons who come into the library, and I see that our circulations are really high considering the number of people living in Estevan, so that means we are very active in the community here,” she said.
She also hopes to see the library continue to offer its assortment of programs. She noted the library has two programmers who offer activities for adults and children alike, which helps keep branch activity levels high.
The employees know their duties and most of them have been at the library for a long time.
Abraham looks forward to hearing feedback on what people like about the library, as well as what could be introduced.
Abraham replaces Jason Redshaw, whose final day was Jan. 28 after 5 1/2 years in the role. He has accepted a new job in Ontario.
In a Facebook post, Redshaw thanked the staff at the library for always going above and beyond to serve the community, and the staff from the Southeast Regional Library for their support over the years. He’s also thankful to the City of Estevan and their employees.
“Most of all, I would like to thank all of our library patrons and the entire community of Estevan. You made my stay here warm and welcoming. We've had a lot of fun here at the library with book sales, art auctions, mini golf, concerts in the library, escape rooms and the list goes on and on.
“I leave this library in good hands, and more great things are to come for the Estevan Public Library. I never say goodbye, but I will say all the best to Estevan. Thank you for everything.”
