Library board

Brendan Harvey (he/him), Board chair

Brendan is an employment and human rights lawyer on the North Shore, called to the bar in 2014. Brendan believes that accessible public libraries are an important part of a strong community, providing a public gathering space, accessible learning resources, and access to various means of entertainment and education for everyone. An avid outdoor enthusiast, you can find Brendan in any season hiking the North Shore mountains or exploring closer to home along the Spirit Trail and beyond.

“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to, and help to expand on, the City’s library system.”

Rubina Jamal, Vice chair

Rubina has lived on the North Shore since she immigrated with her family in 1993. She is a graduate of the London School of Economics and practiced law in Kenya and British Columbia. Rubina cares deeply about our relationship to food: for the past decade, she has advocated for changes in the food system and worked with community-based organizations to improve access to healthy food. She has served on several boards, including for Royal Roads University and the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets.

“I am excited to be engaged in the community through the library.”

Amir Hazfi, Finance chair

Amir is a local landscape designer and executive who spends time volunteering with the Whistler Film Festival, Bonsai Club and the North Vancouver Writers Club. He is also regularly involved with the North Shore Multicultural Society and Presentation House Theatre. He is excited to learn about the ways the library is a dynamic and integral part of people’s lives on the North Shore.

“My family and I use the North Vancouver City Library as a part of our home so I believe everybody has a role — I do my best to keep our home cozy and functional.”

Tony Valente, City Council representative

Tony has just begun his second term on City Council. He has been active in our community as an advocate for street safety, public spaces, and on environmental issues (air quality and urban noise) since the late 2000s. Tony holds a BCom and MBA from the Sauder School of Business. He has worked in project delivery roles to complete complex infrastructure projects in the public utility and transportation sectors. Currently he works full-time as the director of risk management at a BC Crown Corporation.
 
"The library provides the knowledge and opportunities for skill development that are key to enabling a more just society"

Rebecca Bouchard (she/her), Trustee

Rebecca Bouchard is a Strategy and Culture Partner at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC). She lives with her husband, Brent, and two daughters, Molly (8) and Claire (5), just down the street from the library. Her first encounter with City Library was as a study sanctuary when she was studying for her MBA with a newborn in tow. During the pandemic, she has taken up piano and cake baking and decorating. 

“I have always been drawn to books and libraries, and even worked in stack services during my university days in Ottawa.”

Eva Luptakova (she/her), Trustee

Eva came to Canada from Slovakia at 19 to learn English and get to know a different culture. She has since completed her education and established a career. She is passionate about Human Resources and currently works in the human resources department at Vancouver Coastal Health as a recruitment adviser. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. 

“The North Vancouver City Library is my favourite place on the North Shore and I visit it at least twice a week.”

Parveen Somji, Trustee

Parveen was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where she completed her primary schooling. She has had a varied career working as a nurse, midwife, ward sister, nursing instructor, support worker and chef. She’s active on many library committees and volunteer organizations on the North Shore including the North Shore Folkfest Society, the North Shore Homelessness Task Force and many others. She also participates in many celebratory community events including North Shore parades and the Caribbean Day Festival.
 
“My role as a trustee made it possible for me to use the resources at the library and expand my knowledge profoundly. I really enjoy working with such dedicated and passionate team of trustees."