Mississippi Mills Public Library Announces 2026 Leadership Collaboration

CEO/Chief Librarian Christine Row to Join Brockville Public Library in Secondment; Incoming CEO/Chief Librarian Berta Madrigal Abaroa to Lead MMPL

Press Release - Mississippi Mills Public Library

The Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL) is pleased to announce its leadership succession plan for 2026.

CEO/Chief Librarian Christine Row, who has served in this role for seven years, will transition into a mentorship position to support and train incoming CEO/Chief Librarian Berta Madrigal Abaroa. This plan ensures continuity for the community while accommodating Row’s part-time secondment with the Brockville Public Library (BPL).

Together, Row and Abaroa bring a strong record of excellence that enhances MMPL’s capacity for innovation and community service. Row has been recognized as Public Librarian of the Year (2024) and received the Lanark County Award of Excellence for Youth (2023), in addition to leading multiple successful library accreditations.

Abaroa brings significant leadership experience through the Advancing Public Library Leadership Institute and was recently honoured with the OLA Angus Mowat Award of Excellence for her work on the Lanark STEM Program. She is also expanding her expertise through advanced training in municipal accounting and finance. Their combined achievements reflect a shared commitment to inclusive service, innovative programming, and community-centred library leadership.

“This collaboration reflects MMPL’s commitment to strong, future-focused leadership,” said Row. “Berta’s inclusive, thoughtful, and innovative approach makes her the ideal person to guide MMPL into its next chapter, and I am delighted to support her during this transition.”

“This shared leadership model ensures continuity and strengthens both libraries’ capacity to serve their communities,” added Barb Button, Chair of the MMPL Board.