“It’s not special on the outside, it’s special on the inside.” — Kevin Moore, Branch Supervisor, Pond Mills Branch Library
Pond Mills Branch Library might be easy to miss at first glance, tucked inside a strip plaza in London’s southeast. But step inside and you’ll quickly see what makes this Library stand out. This location is an important community hub with caring staff, value-driven programs and extensive collections ready to support its patrons.
And at the heart of it all is Kevin Moore.
Kevin has been the Branch Supervisor at Pond Mills since 2010, and a member of the Library team for even longer. Known for his humour, warmth, and genuine care for his community, Kevin leads with the kind of passion that’s hard to miss. Though he’s always quick to credit his incredible team, it’s clear that the spirit of the branch reflects his own.
“If you had told me I was going to be a Librarian when I was younger, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he says with a smile. “But the moment I walked in, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
If you’ve met Kevin, you know he’s full of surprises. One morning, he’s filming a NERF video with our Marketing team, and by the afternoon, he’s hosting high tea with staff. He thoughtfully creates meaningful programming and handles everyday moments with compassion. With about five years left before retirement, Kevin is committed to making each day count.
Creating Feel-Good Moments for Youth at the Library
One of Kevin’s favourite traditions at Pond Mills is the branch’s Championship Belt. He created it as a fun way to recognize kids who go above and beyond such as reading a more challenging book, helping clean up, or just showing kindness in small but meaningful ways.
Two young champions earned the belt after impressing staff with their international coin collection. They asked if they could display their collection for the community, and it quickly became a highlight in Pond Mills’ display case.
“There are so many ways for a kid to be a champion here,” Kevin says. “It’s about how it makes them feel, like what they did really mattered.”
When a child earns the belt, Pond Mills staff take their photo and display it in the branch for everyone to see. We love moments like these, because when kids feel proud of themselves, they start to see their own potential, and that confidence stays with them.
Stories from the Community
People of all ages find comfort and support at Pond Mills Branch Library.
For many who live in this vibrant, diverse neighbourhood, the Library is an essential part of daily life. The area includes a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, including families who rely on the Library for access to everyday essentials. Free wifi, computers, and printing services can make a big difference—and there’s always a friendly face nearby to help navigate it all.
“We’re located in an area with a lot of subsidized housing and CMHA supports right across the street,” Kevin explains. “If the Library wasn’t right here — if it were even a kilometre away — a lot of people wouldn’t be able to reach us. That’s how important this location is.”
The staff at Pond Mills are deeply committed to their work, making sure each interaction is intentional and meaningful.
He shared a few of the everyday moments that show why this work matters:
- A man navigating a WSIB claim came in with documents that needed to be scanned, emailed, and merged into a single PDF. We walked him through the entire process, and he left with exactly what he needed.
- Two older adults, new to Canada, needed to print documents and didn’t speak English, but our team helped them using Google Translate and a bit of tech know-how.
- A woman in her 80s visits weekly to borrow stacks of books. Every time, staff carry them to her car.
And then there’s Betty.
Betty stops by every couple of weeks to chat about what she’s reading. She brings staff handmade bookmarks, notebooks, and takes photos with staff to add to her own “Library scrapbook.” If you walk through our staff area, you’ll see memories of Betty’s visits, proudly on display.
"This is the neighbourhood’s living room,” Kevin says. “People come here for books, sure. But also for conversation, for support, to feel like they belong."
Pond Mills Branch Library is a place where people return year after year. Where kids grow up with storytime and summer reading, and where patrons know they’ll be met with kindness.
Kevin's Reading Picks
Looking for a new favourite read? Here are a few of Kevin’s personal recommendations:
- Fool on the Hill by Matt Ruff
- The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt