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. Published in Alumni Digest as verified reporting from the University of Toronto.

John and Elizabeth Warrener built long careers in public libraries and continue supporting the faculty where both trained as librarians.

Alumni Digest editorial deskSeptember 18, 20263 min read

In the September issue

Campus

University of TorontoSt. George, Mississauga & Scarborough

Focus

Research & public discoveryIdeas

Outcome

Verified reportingSeptember 2026 issue

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.

Two library careers, one shared commitment

Where the work begins

What follows

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