Introducing John Aker Northview Branch

The City of Oshawa and Oshawa Public Libraries (OPL) are pleased to officially announce that the Northview Library Branch is now the John Aker Northview Branch.

The renaming of the library branch is in honour of the late John Aker, one of Oshawa’s longest-serving City and Regional Councillors.

Mr. Aker was first elected to Oshawa City Council as an Alderman in 1973 and served as both Oshawa Councillor and Durham Regional Councillor from 1974 to 1997 when he stepped away to join the Ontario Municipal Board.

A 10-year member of the Ontario Municipal Board, Mr. Aker returned to local government in 2010, serving two more terms as Oshawa City Councillor and Durham Regional Councillor.

As a City Councillor, Mr. Aker sat on the OPL Board from 1973 to 1997 and from 1989 to 1994, he served as Chairman of the Library Board. During his tenure, the library underwent many changes, including the opening of two library branches, the implementation of a computerized catalogue system and the installation of public internet terminals.

The renaming of the library branch after Mr. Aker recognizes his strong support for the establishment of the branch in 1987, as well as his 33 years of service to the City of Oshawa, The Regional Municipality of Durham and OPL before his passing in February 2021.

The John Aker Northview Library is located at 250 Beatrice Street East in Oshawa and is a community hub that offers engaging programs, wi-fi, public workstations and a robust collection.   

OPL serves the City of Oshawa through four locations. For library news and updates, visit oshawalibrary.ca and follow the OPL on Twitter and Facebook.

For City of Oshawa updates, visit Oshawa.ca/NewsCentre to follow us on social media, subscribe to news and alerts, and have your say on Connect Oshawa.

Quotes:

“John Aker was a life-long resident of Oshawa who was proud to serve his community and a source of inspiration to those who knew him,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “We are pleased that the John Aker Northview Branch will be a lasting tribute to his life’s work as a true visionary who helped shape our city and Durham Region.”

“Oshawa families have enjoyed spending quality time at our Northview Branch for engaging library programs and browsing our robust collections for generations,” said Frances Newman, Oshawa Public Libraries C.E.O. “As Councillor John Aker made such a significant mark on this wonderful community, the Library and its Northview Branch in particular, it seems fitting to rename the branch after him, as he dedicated so much of his time helping bring it to life.”

“The John Aker Northview Branch is a vital focal point in Ward 2 and enjoyed by community members of all ages in our great city. It is particularly meaningful that the library branch is renamed after my respected colleague, the late John Aker to recognize his long tenure on the Library Board and his strong support for the establishment of the branch,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Ward 2 Regional Councillor and Council Representative for the Oshawa Public Libraries Board.

 “Thank you to the Oshawa Public Libraries Board and City staff for coming together and seeing this special and meaningful opportunity to honour the legacy of former Councillor John Aker,” said Ward 2 City Councillor Jim Lee.

 “Our family is humbled and so very grateful to the Mayor and City Council and staff, the Library Board, and most of all the citizens of Oshawa for showing your warmth, kindness, and respect for Councillor Aker by honouring him with such a beautiful legacy,” said Teresa Aker, Mr. Aker’s wife.

Photo caption:

Members of Oshawa Council and representatives for the Oshawa Public Libraries were joined by family of the late Mr. John Aker to celebrate the official renaming of the Northview Library Branch to the John Aker Northview Branch.