The City of Oshawa and Oshawa Public Libraries (OPL) recently announced 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, said a city statement.
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, Aker returned to local government in 2010, serving two more terms as Oshawa City Councillor and Durham Regional Councillor.
As a city councillor, 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 recognizes Aker’s 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.