Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Two library careers, one shared commitment
John and Elizabeth Warrener built long careers in public libraries and continue supporting the faculty where both trained as librarians.
John and Elizabeth Warrener in their library-school graduation portraits.Photo: U of T Alumni News
The context
Where the work begins
John and Elizabeth Warrener knew each other in high school, but neither initially planned a library career. John entered U of T's Master of Library Science program in 1971; Elizabeth followed a year later. Summer work in Etobicoke's library system led both toward careers serving its readers.
The takeaway
What follows
The couple could work for the same system, though not in the same branch. Over the next 25 years, they worked mainly in reference, with Elizabeth also handling children's services and John taking on branch leadership. Retirement brought volunteer work with Ex Libris. Both remain donors to the Faculty of Information, alongside other educational and community causes.
Source reporting
Two library careers, one shared commitment
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
