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PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS CLIPPINGS - JAN - FEB 2003

literacy events

The 15 minute challenge (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - Jan. 21, 2003)
The Chetwynd Public Library is marking National Family Literacy Day by partnering with CHET-FM Radio in a challenge to the Community of Dawson Creek. Between Jan. 20 and 25, 15 minutes of time will be allotted each day for listeners to call in and report that they have participated in a learning activity that day. The library will host a "drop-in" event on Monday in which people can make their call for the day.

Library hosts "Learning Desk" to promote literacy (Salmon Arm Observer, Salmon Arm, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
This Monday, Family Literacy Day, would be the perfect time to visit the "The Learning Desk", a new feature at the Salmon Arm Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL). The brainchild of the Shuswap Community Literacy Taskforce (who then partnered with other community organizations, including the ORL), the program operates two days a week and is designed to assist those needing guidance in furthering their education. Adult student Scott Ampleford will be at the library to help prospective students, but he can also be reached by phone and e-mail.

Family Literacy Day held at local library (Osoyoos Times, Osoyoos, BC - Jan. 29, 2003)
Four members of the Osoyoos Storm hockey team read and shared stories with children at the Osoyoos branch of the ORL as part of Family Literacy Day activities. Winners of the "Who taught you or inspired you to read" contest were also announced.

Literacy Day marked (Langley Times, Langley, BC - Jan. 29, 2003)
Family Literacy Day was celebrated at the Langley City Library Monday night with a variety of displays, guest speakers, storytellers and music. Guests also had the opportunity to learn about new organizations such as the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, which helps parents and babies bond though literacy activities. The event was organized by the newly formed Langley Literacy Association.

Literacy's a family thing at weekend workshops (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Jan. 31, 2003)
A series of Family Literacy Week workshops are being held at the Squamish Public Library on Feb. 1. The sessions will be of interest to parents who have completed Grade 12, teachers, principals, life skills instructors and child and family workers.

Family literacy (Houston Today, Houston, BC - Feb. 5, 2003)
The Houston Public Library, in partnership with Houston Link to Learning and Community Connections for Success, hosted a Family Literacy Brunch at the local seniors centre on Jan. 25. The Family Literacy Day event featured hot food, activities for kids and parents, door prizes and children's crafts. Information on Houston's various literacy programs and initiatives was also provided.

Pages of potential problems (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Feb. 15, 2003)
Feb. 24 to Mar. 1 is Freedom to Read week, and the Richmond Public Library will be marking the occasion with an exhibit of banned books, from the Bible to Harry Potter novels. Richmond library receives at least a few challenges each year, which have included everything from the violent aspects of a Nancy Drew mystery to the content of a Monty Python videotape. The library has a panel of three librarians who review the challenges, acknowledging the receipt of the complaint in a letter and then passing their recommendations on to the chief librarian.

DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING

Keeping kids reading (Alaska Highway News, Fort St. John, BC - Jan. 30, 2003)
Photo with caption: Fort St. John Public Library director Marsha Triebner accepts a cheque for $2,000 from the branch manager of the CIBC. The money was donated through the Vancouver Sun's Raise-A-Reader program. The library will use the funds to support its yearly summer reading program.

Library friends leave legacy (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - Feb. 13, 2003)
Thanks to the Friends of the Nelson Municipal Library, the Osprey Community Foundation (OSF) and an anonymous donor, The Nelson Municipal Library Legacy Fund has been established. The initiative for the fund was an anonymous donation of $2,500 made at the end of 2002. The library "friends" see the fund as a way ensure adequate funding in the long term, while the OSF is pleased to have a new option for its donors to consider. The library board also supports the fund and hopes to host a fundraiser to add to the fund later in the year. Chief librarian Deb Thomas added, "We see this as a strong step toward ensuring stable and sustainable funding for the Library."

Library/museum effort in limbo (Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Feb. 13, 2003)
Tough post-9/11 financial times are being blamed for a serious shortfall in anticipated donations to Capital Campaign to build a new Whistler library-museum/archives facility. Construction of the proposed 27,000 sq. ft. building was to start in the spring, but that date was tied to a condition that 80 per cent of the project's cost - including $3 million of the $5 million to be gotten from fundraising - be in the bank. To date, the Capital Campaign has raised only about $600,000, two thirds of which came from a single donation by the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation. "We are having a hard time fulfilling our part of the bargain," said Whistler Public Library board chair Anne Fenwick. "We launched the campaign in March and since that time - in the past year and a half since 9/11, the stock market crash and such - the fundraising has been a much bigger challenge than we thought." Representatives for the library, the museum and Capital Campaign will meet with the Resort Municipality of Whistler council to discuss the situation. Whistler mayor Hugh O'Reilly says while he is committed to the project, the new council will have to review priorities.

IODE funds talking books for library (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - Feb. 14, 2003)
At its AGM, the Arthur Chapman Chapter of the IODE reported that $350 had been turned over to the Trail library for the purchase of talking and large print books.

Library fund-raiser set for April 3 (The Leader, Surrey, BC - Feb. 16, 2003)
The first fund raiser for Surrey's new Semiahoo Library is set. The (Once in a) Blue Moon Reception and Silent Auction aims to raise $25,000 to help stock the shelves at the facility, currently under construction. Tickets are $75, with a $40 tax receipt issued with each ticket.

Thanks to Koerner Foundation (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - Feb. 17, 2003)
The Cranbrook Public Library will use a $1,500 grant from the Koerner Foundation to purchase books and videos for the library's Extreme Adventure collection.

Grants (Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, BC - Feb. 24, 2003)
Bell Canada has awarded $500 to the Friends of the Richmond Public Library for the purchase of children's materials. The donation is part of Bell's Employee Volunteer Grant Program and recognizes retired employee Monette Prichard for his volunteer work.

Book Drive grant enhances library's reading program for kids (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - Feb. 24, 2003)
A portion of the $3,000 from the Times Colonist book drive forwarded to the Greater Victoria Public Library will be used to enhance the library's long-running summer reading program. The extra money will help buy book prizes for kids who complete the program. The grant will also benefit the popular Reading Buddies program, which pairs teens with younger kids who need to improve their reading skills.

BUDGETS & FINANCES

Library levy increases (Salmon Arm Observer, Salmon Arm, BC - Jan. 15, 2003)
Salmon Arm residents will be paying an additional $2.53 in library taxes this year, due to budget increases and growth in the district's property assessment rolls. Salmon Arm has seen its share of library taxes paid to the Okanagan Regional Library increase by 66 per cent since 1995. In 2003 the district will pay $451,852, about $44 per property owner, for library service.

LRB ruling could cost the library an extra $50,000 per year (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
The Labour Relations Board has ruled that the wages of unionized library workers should be on par with those paid to City of Trail employees. The ruling could cost the library an additional $50,000 a year, or 15 per cent of its annual budget. The two employee groups are part of the same union but have separate contracts, one with the city and one with the non-profit society which operates the library [Ed. note: see next article]. The Greater Trail services commission has hired a labour specialist (at a cost of $5,000) to help implement the LRB ruling. There is also concern that the ruling may have a trickle-down effect to libraries in Beaver Valley and Rossland, whose wages are in part based on comparisons to what other area library workers are paid.

Disputing library story (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - Jan. 30, 2003)
Letter to the editor from Jean Poole, CUPE Local 2087, disputing elements of the above story: The Trail and District Public Library is a municipal library established by the City of Trail and is not operated by a non-profit society. CUPE and the library board have been working toward pay equity between library workers and city employees since 1998. Since a system of comparison could not be agreed upon, the LRB ruled that the CUPE Five Factor Job Evaluation would be implemented. The wage disparity is nowhere near the reported $50,000.

Village balks at rocketing library user fees (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - Jan. 28, 2003)
If the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) does not reassess its funding formula as it applies to Harrison Hot Springs, the municipality may have to resort to pulling out of the library system. That is the position of Harrison mayor Gord Crane after Harrison paid a $30,000 fee to FVRL for 2002, an amount that is expected to rise to $38,000 in 2003. "That is a huge amount of money for our tax base," said Crane. "It's going up and up and we can't figure out why." Harrison councillors want a review of how FVRL determines how much each municipality pays, a formula currently based on how many library cards residents of the area have. Harrison is the only FVRL member that does not have its own library. Harrison joined the FVRL in 1999. That year it paid $11,000 to the FVRL.

Hope councillor tackles treasurer post on regional board (Hope Standard, Hope, BC - Jan. 30, 2003)
Hope councillor Susan Vandevelde-Savola has been named the honorary treasurer of the FVRL and is hoping that the 2003 budget will come in "lower than planned." Hope council have made a point in the past of using its one vote on the FVRL board as a protest against an ever-increasing budget. The Hope district treasurer estimates that Hope's portion of library fees will rise from $181,199 in 2002 to $201,100 in 2003.

Librarians offered seven per cent wage increase (Okanagan Saturday, Kelowna, BC - Feb. 22, 2003)
Librarians working for the ORL are being offered a seven per cent wage increase over three years. The ORL operates 29 branches with 225 employees, 200 of which belong to CUPE. Their current contract ends on Dec. 31. The top rate of pay for professional librarians is currently $23.26. The ORL budget for this year is $10.5 million, up four per cent from 2002. The 18 employees of the Penticton Public Library (not part of the ORL) are represented by a staff association and are in the final year of a three year contract. Chief librarian Larry Little says it is too early to predict what kind of offer might be made to employees. Their current contract provided for a one per cent increase per year.

BULDINGS

Council pirouettes through budget dilemmas (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Jan. 21, 2003)
The Prince Rupert Public Library was one of three organizations that had city council performing a budget ballet over core funding. Chief librarian Allan Wilson reported on the dilapidated state of the current library building, built in the 1970s to house 20,000 items and now holding 70,000. Other problem areas included wiring, shelving, a "swimming pool" roof, a wonky elevator and mouldering artefacts due to poor ventilation. The one "must-do" on Wilson's list was an automated computer system. Wilson estimated that a new 36,000 sq. ft. facility could be built for $9 million, much of that coming from fundraising and possible partnerships with other facilities such as the Archives, Fire Museum and the Legion.

Boiler quits after library budget fume (Daily News, Price Rupert, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
The day after chief librarian Allan Wilson spoke to city council regarding the wretched state of the library building, the boiler shut down, leaving staff to shiver in nearly single-digit temperatures and contemplating closing the library. "The building does not function properly," Wilson reported.

New library on Legion site? (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Jan. 29, 2003)
Prince Rupert council is facing a looming deadline regarding the fate of the proposed $9 million new library facility, a project that could effect everything from cultural life to tourism in the community. The library board has its eye on the current site of the Legion, but negotiations are complex, delicate and confidential. The site is important to the library because of its connection to renowned architect John Rattenbury, who approved the cliffside location in a recent visit. Rattenbury has agreed to wave his design fee (worth up to eight percent of the total cost of the facility) due to his personal family history with Prince Rupert. There is some fear that if the city does not show its support - and soon - Rattenbury may lose interest or be forced to move to other projects. But library board chair Myrna Hiebert does not think so, saying, "He has committed to helping us with a new library." But she does add, "We do need a similar commitment from the city." The final decision may come down to what the Legion wants to do, both at the local and national level.

Lynn Valley town centre downsized (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
District of North Vancouver Mayor Don Bell says he is still excited about the proposed new library-town centre complex, despite the project shrinking from the original $36 million budget to $28 million. The key change in the project is the reduction of retail space and associated parking.. A new 40,500 sq. ft., $13 million library continues to be the centre-piece of the complex. Funding of the library comes from the sale of the current facility (expected to fetch $4 million), $6 million authorized in a 1996 referendum and revenue from public-private partnerships. Construction is slated to begin in the fall. The city is still waiting for a certificate from the province stating the site, previously owned by Imperial Oil, has been decontaminated.

New Enderby library a hit (Morning Star, Vernon, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
"Everyone in Enderby has practically been here," says community librarian Kathleen Moerman of the new Enderby Branch of the ORL, which recently opened its doors in the old Central Hardware building. The branch now has more than twice its old floor space and includes amenities such as an Internet area, photocopier and a bright, open children's space. Residents had been pushing ORL for a new facility for years. An official grand opening is scheduled for February.

Riley library branch to move (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - Feb. 2, 2003)
The Riley Park satellite branch of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) will get a new home in the planned $2 million Little Mountain Neighbourhood House (LMNH) redevelopment. The society's current location has been home to a satellite library branch since 1981, and both VPL and LMNH are pleased that they will continue the excellent working relationship they have nurtured. At the new site, the library's floor space will jump to 6,000 sq. ft from the current 1,400.

New NV City library could cost $16.8M (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - Feb. 7, 2003)
At a recent workshop, city councillors met with consulting groups to discuss preliminary estimates for a new library facility proposed for the city centre. Councillors seemed cautious about the plan, which could cost between $12.5 and $16.8 million to implement. Some wondered if the possibly over $320 per sq. ft. construction cost was too high, but were assured it was in line with projects of this type. There were also concerns about the lifespan of the facility. The current plan is based on library needs over the next 25 years. Other elements that were discussed included floor space, energy efficiency, green landscaping, parking and a proposed day-care facility, all of which add to the overall cost. The next workshop will include the views of this session and possibly some preliminary physical designs.

Commissioners balk at cost of moving totem (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - Feb. 23, 2003)
The Cowichan Community Centre Commission question the figures supplied by a consultant claiming it would cost up to $11,000 to move a totem from the city's public works yard to the interior of the new library. The totem, designed by First Nations artist Simon Charlie, is owned by the City of Duncan, who offered it to the library. Some city officials have called the estimate "out to lunch" but others have warned that the figure should be examined seriously, as there may be liability issues involved if the piece is not property installed. The issue has been passed to a steering committee responsible for the library's design.

TECHNOLOGY

Parents can become net-savvy (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Feb. 5, 2003)
Feb. 20 is Web Awareness Day. It's an opportunity for people to become aware of the great resources and dangerous pitfalls of the Internet. Visiting a public library and talking with a librarian is a great way to find out about being Internet-savvy. Librarians can give you tips about Internet safety and help you learn to navigate the Internet's vast well of information. The library can also provide lists of reading material (both on the net and in actual books) for parents and kids.

Kids and online privacy (News Leader, Burnaby, BC - Feb. 19, 2003)
As part of national Web Awareness Day, the Burnaby Public Library will be holding a workshop called Kids for Sale. The purpose of the workshop is to help parents protect their children from online marketers who try to extract personal information or "data mine" young users. Some coax kids with online games or contests. Some upload "cookies" so they can monitor which sites users visit. The workshop will provide a list of safe Web sites for children to visit that do not invade privacy. Says Linda Levar, a librarian at the McGill Branch, "As parents we tend to think we have this computer in the safety of our own home and we don't think we're giving out privileged information, but that's exactly what we are doing."

Parents; children weave their way through the perils of the Web (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Feb. 21, 2003)
Concerned parents, library staff and an RCMP constable were on hand in the Internet room of the Prince Rupert Public Library to learn and talk about the risks and befits of going online as part of national Web Awareness Day. Funding from the federal Community Access Program allowed attendees to see a slide show entitled Parenting the Net Generation and the chat-line awareness video Missing. Discussions covered topics such as advertising aimed at kids, access to personal information, sexual predators on the Web and even where to locate the computer your child uses in the home.

Victoria librarians, users comfortable with policies (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - Feb. 23, 2003)
According to Susan Henderson, manager of marketing and communications for the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), the library system has policies in place to protect patrons from the misuse of the Internet. She says the library is rigorous and responsive in dealing with those who would visit sites that are either illegal or causing other patrons discomfort. All users must use their library card to log on to any computer, so their activity can be tracked and monitored. And privacy screens have been added to monitors. Parents are asked to monitor their kids' computer use, and the library tries to inform parents on ways to protect kids when online.

Library gets automated (Interior News, Smithers, BC - Jan. 15, 2003)
After years of discussion, the Smithers Public Library is finally getting automated. The library will be closed from Jan. 20 to Feb. 1 so that staff can weed and assign barcodes to more than 28,000 items that will now be part of a system which will streamline the borrowing, returning and reservation process. Chief librarian Kathy Anderson says this new system should free up staff to provide better service to patrons an even provide more programs. The first new library card was issued, as has been tradition for the past 20 years, to library member Sally Toman. Beginning in February, the Friends of the Library will start a fundraising campaign to raise $35,000 for 1000 new books needed after outdated materials have been discarded.

Government info is at the library (Burnaby Now, Burnaby, BC - Feb. 16, 2003)
Through an initiative by the Public Library Services Branch of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, Burnaby Public Library and all other libraries in the province can now offer patrons access to current provincial legislation on the Internet. QP LegalEZE is available at Internet stations at each library branch and includes such features as the full text of all BC statues, regulations and orders-in-council, third reading bills, historic changes to legislation, rules of court and links to federal legislation. The database is updated continually with the most current and authoritative information.

DVDs growing in popularity (The Record, Burnaby, BC - Feb. 23, 2003)
Mar. marks the second anniversary of the New Westminster Public Library (NWPL) offering DVDs as a borrowing format for patrons. DVD technology first hit our shores six years ago and statistics predict 50 per cent of Canadian homes will have a player by the end of 2004. Most of NWPL's 400 titles are movies, with an emphasis on classics and children's titles (some of the kids DVDs have been loaned out more than 100 times each). The key advantage the format has over video tape is its durability. Sound and picture quality will not deteriorate over time providing proper care is taken. Since most of the copies of the DVDs are usually out on loan, reservations are recommended.

AUTHOR READINGS

Library hosts musical book launch (Maple Ridge News, Maple Ridge, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
Local children's entertainer Pam Southwell will join teacher and storyteller Jack Emberly in a musical launch of his new book The King of Anger Mountain.

Noted author reads to Lakecity children (Williams Lake Tribune, Williams Lake, BC - Feb. 6, 2003)
Northwest Territories author Richard Van Camp visited the Williams Lake Library to read from some of his children's books, both new and old. Van Camp is descended from Dogrib Indians, and many of his stories use elements of traditional legends and fables from First Nations culture. Van Camp's visit wound up the library's Literacy Week promotion.

Poet laureate visits library (Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - Feb. 12, 2003)
Canada's first poet laureate, George Bowering, will be speaking at the White Rock Library on Feb. 20. Bowering has written over 50 books and is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Award. He was recently named an officer of the Order of Canada. The often self-deprecating Bowering has said about his recent fame, "I don't know if there is much difference between a poet laureate and a fool." Tickets for the event are $5 for library members and $7 for non-members.

CHILDREN'S CORNER

Storytimes encourage young readers (Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Jan. 18, 2003)
The Fraser Valley Regional Library has a number of programs to help nurture a life-long love of reading in children. Baby and toddler storytimes use simple stories, songs and other activities along with the participation of a parent or care-giver. Drop-in story sessions for two to six year olds also use stories and music, but augment the experience with things such a puppetry, a favourite because of elements of humour kids love. The various sessions run throughout the week, and even the evening during Pyjama Storytime.

Kids - Reading and a big red dog (Mission Times, Abbotsford, BC - Jan. 21, 2003)
Photo with caption: Clifford the Big Red Dog was a big red hit with kids at the RIOT of Reading Solutions event co-sponsored by the Mission Library. Hordes of youngsters also enjoyed music, storytelling, cake and prizes.

Grossology for kids (Victoria News, Victoria, BC - Feb. 12, 2003)
Grossology, the Greater Victoria Public Library's popular science program, returns to local libraries in Feb. Kids aged six to twelve can learn everything they ever wanted to know about smelly, yucky and just plain gross bodily functions. Call to reserve a spot.

Storey Time (Alberni Valley Times, Port Alberni, BC - Feb. 12, 2003)
Photo with caption: Alberni Valley Bulldogs player Ryan Storey and some of his team-mates were on hand at the Port Alberni branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library on Monday as a build-up to Hockey Day In Canada this Saturday. The players read to the kids (appropriately, Roch Carrier's classic, The Hockey Sweater), signed autographs and took questions.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

NV Library mourns Charter's death (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - Jan. 24, 2003)
The North Vancouver City Library suffered a tremendous loss following the announcement that 55-year old board chair Patricia Gail Charter died suddenly on Jan. 20. Charter had served on the library board for five years before becoming its chair last year. She came to North Vancouver in 1981 and was involved in a number of community activities. North Vancouver City mayor Barbara Sharp called Charter's death a personal loss and significant loss to the city. Chief librarian Jane Watkins says of Charter, "She was absolutely passionate about her work... about anything she was involved in, whether it was the library, the women's centre or about social justice."

Shorthouse chair (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Jan. 18, 2003)
The Port Moody Public Library board has unanimously voted Tom Shorthouse to be its chair for 2003. Shorthouse has been on the board for four years

Library board to vote on $100 bonus (Langley Times, Langley, BC - Jan. 22, 2003)
Members of the Fraser Valley Regional Library board are scheduled to vote today on whether they will pay themselves $100 to attend meetings. "I can't in good conscience vote for it." said Langley city's representative, Sharla Mauger. "It will be interesting to see how the debate goes. I don't know the rationale for it, but quite likely I'll vote against it." The board will also vote on a recommendation to discontinue a yearly $400 paid to the honorary treasurer. Greater Vancouver Regional District board members are paid for their attendance at meetings, and most municipalities provide a mileage per diem to their members.

Library board members move to pay themselves $100 for meetings (Abbotsford Times, Abbotsford, BC - Feb. 23, 2003)
When municipal councillors of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) board attend meetings of the FVRL board, BC Library Trustee Association or InterLINK, they will now collect a $100 stipend - providing the move is legal. FVRL board chair Sharon Gaetz says the reason for the vote was the increasing difficulty in getting people to attend meetings at their own cost, but she also adds that the Library Act prohibits library board members from being paid by the library for attending meetings. The FVRL board will discuss the stipend at its next meeting.

Library leader picked (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - Jan. 24, 2003)
John Barton has been named the chair of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) board. Barton has served on board since 1998 and as vice-chair for the past two years. The GVPL board has 21 trustee members and serves 10 capital region municipalities.

Library to pursue new status (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Jan. 31, 2003)
In an attempt to stabilize the library budget, the Squamish Public Library board have voted unanimously to ask the District of Squamish to assume responsibility for library services. If the district council agrees, the largest part of the library's funding (which comes from the district) would become part of the yearly budget process. Currently, the library must make a request from the district for funds after council has taken care of its own budget. "The other libraries who have taken this route in B.C. have found that the move has been a good one," said newly elected library board chair Muff Hackett. Squamish mayor Ian Sutherland attended the meeting and said that some useful discussion has been generated, adding, "Like others, I want to see the library succeed." Council will discuss the library board decision.

Library board appointed (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - Feb. 2, 2003)
Joan Anderson, region director of CBC radio for B.C. and a former librarian, has been appointed the new chair of the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) board. Director of research and technology at the B.C. Teachers' Federation, Larry Kuehn, has been named vice-chair. City council's appointee to the board is Counc. Tim Louis. Eight of VPL's 13 2002 board members were replaced for 2003.

New chapter in library saga (Chilliwack Times, Chilliwack, BC - Feb. 4, 2003)
The new chair of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) board is Chilliwack Counc. Sharon Gaetz, and she has taken that post in some interesting and challenging times. Gaetz says that the original FVRL was designed some 70 years ago to facilitate library service to a number of small communities. Many of those communities are now large cities made up of a diverse population with many different needs. Gaetz says that's why some libraries have taken a more specific approach, such as the new Ironwood Branch, which caters to students. Gaetz must also deal with the on-going contract dispute between the board and library workers. "We hope it can be resolved soon and we can get on with the business of what libraries do best," she says.

Demi Dunlap brings a passion for libraries and an eye for detail to Library Board duties (The Leader, Surrey, BC - Feb. 9, 2003)

Profile of Surrey Public Library Board member Demi Dunlap, part of the "I Love My Library Month" promotion: Dunlap began her love of libraries in Saskatchewan as a teen library page. She later applied for library board position in Saskatoon, but was make Police Commissioner instead! Once in Surrey, she was sidetracked to the Museum and Archives, but finally got her chance on the library board in 2001. Dunlap is a great supporter of the Young Adult Writing Contest and participates on the library's Program and Services Committee.

New faces on regional library board (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - Feb. 21, 2003)
Carol Williams of Coldstream has been named the new chair of the Okanagan Regional Library board. Of the 22 board members from last year, 10 were not re-elected in last fall's civic election, so nearly half the faces on the 2003 board are new. The board has ratified a new contract with the 18 professional librarians and technical services workers. The 2.5 per cent wage increase in each of the next two years will be voted on by union members in Mar. Executive director Lesley Dieno reported to the board regarding circulation figures and the need for a larger book budget. The board also received the 2002 auditor's report which showed a surplus of $37,000 for the year.

Vandals toss potted plants off library roof (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - Jan. 17, 2003)
Vandals caused about $100 worth of damage when they threw a number of potted plants off the roof of the Capilano Library. Police call this "an ongoing problem" and are working with library staff to prevent it from happening again.

Bricks, curses to the book thief(ves) (Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Jan. 23, 2003)
Joan Richoz, library director of the Whistler Public Library, offers bricks to the person or persons who stole a number of children's party-planning books from the library. Joan goes on to give a little background about the history of book stealing, including the following curse, inscribed to ward off potential thieves: "For him that steals, borrows and returns not, a book from its owner, let it change into a serpent in his hand and rend him. Let him be struck with palsy, and all his members blasted. Let him languish in pain crying aloud for mercy, and let there be no surcease to his agony 'till he sing in dissolution. Let bookworms gnaw at his entrails in token of the Worm that dieth not. And when at last he goes to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him forever."

Book thief sought (Terrace Standard, Terrace, BC - Feb. 12, 2003)
Terrace Crimestoppers are looking for a young man who made off with two large books from the Terrace Public Library. After removing the dust jacket from a Random House dictionary valued at $150 and another book, he dodged security devices and fled the building. Police have a description and are asking for the public's assistance.

Royal reward (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - Jan. 19, 2003)
Janice Douglas, director of youth services and programming at the Vancouver Public Library (VPL), and former VPL director Madge Aalto have been awarded commemorative medals for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Aalto was the library's director from 1988 until her retirement in 2002 and oversaw the building of the world-renowned new Central Library. Douglas has been at the library since 1967 and is credited with developing the program of free author readings that has seen the likes of Lord David Attenborough and Deepak Chopra speak at the library.

Local MLAs present Queen's medals to 11 worthy West Shore recipients (Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria, BC - Feb. 12, 2003)

View Royal resident Kate Cudmore was honoured with the presentation of a Queen's Jubilee Medal for her significant contribution as the volunteer chair of the View Royal Public Library Board of Directors Ten other West Shore residents were also given medals by Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Arnie Hamilton and Malahat-Juan de Fuca MLA Brian Kerr at a ceremony held at the B.C. Legislature on Feb. 5.

The book chaser (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Jan. 25, 2003)
Profile of Coquitlam Public Library's (CPL) official book chaser, Lily Vukasovic. Three days a week, Vukasovic tracks down overdue materials for the library once they have reached the 42-day mark. Overdue fines can mean big money numbers for the library. CPL collected $36,000 last year, money that goes back into purchasing new materials. CPL has 76,000 active members who have about 8,600 items currently overdue, not an unusual number for a library serving a population of over 100,000. CPL is thinking of moving to a collection agency model (Port Moody did in 2001 and they collected almost $33,000 in fines from a member base less than half of CPL's), but director Karen Harrison says the best value is $1 stickers in books that tell patrons a collection agency will be after them if tardy with their returns. But Vukasovic says the library is not trying to scare anyone or make them feel guilty - they just want to get the books back into circulation.

Booking in or out? (Langley Times, Langley, BC - Feb. 2, 2003)
Photo with caption: Fort Langley Library's favourite feline, Roger "the Library Lodger", is about to become world- famous. He will be included in an upcoming publication called International Book of Library Cats.

Borrowing soars at Victoria public library (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - Feb. 4, 2003)
After setting a record in 2002 for circulation, lending more than 4 million items, the Greater Victoria Public Library set a new standard for the month of January, loaning 381,082 items.

New librarian books into the local branch (100 Mile House Free Press, 100 Mile House, BC - Feb. 5, 2003)
Roxy Barnes, the new manager of the 100 Mile House branch of the Cariboo Regional District Library, brings 30 years of library experience to the position. Barnes began her library career at the age of 19 at the Kamloops Library, and most recently was the assistant manager at the Williams Lake branch. She is impressed with the active role the 100 Mile House Branch is playing in the community and notes that special activities registration fills up very fast, a sign that the library is providing services and programs the public wants.

Library opens its doors longer (Undercurrent, Bowen Island, BC - Feb. 14, 2003)
In response to a survey mailed to island residents last fall regarding the Bowen Island Public Library's hours of service, the library will be adding 4.5 hours per week to its operations. The hours will be added to the evenings of Tuesday through Saturday, allowing students and commuters better access. The library will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays, the days respondents most often preferred the library be non-operational. The current staffing budget only allows for the additional 4.5 hours, but long-range plans hope to address the possibility of a further increase.

[Ed. note: the following two articles were published together under the heading: Tales of two libraries marking different milestones, serving different communities in different ways.]

Growing like Topsy (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Feb. 15, 2003)
The Port Moody Public Library is marking 60 years of circulating books, and it has come a long way from its war-time beginnings in the basement of city hall, set up with a $300 grant. This year, an estimated quarter of a million people will enter the library and borrow almost 400,00 items. "It's one of the most highly used public facilities - and it's free", said chief librarian Diana Guinn. Guinn adds that the library is seeing more and more tech-savvy patrons, meaning both resources and staff knowledge always need to be improved. Library board chair Tom Shorthouse says that this also means that budgets need to be secure, with fundraising and partnerships becoming increasingly important despite having one of the highest per capita levels of city support in the province. The library also has a very high per capita circulation rate, with children's materials accounting for 45 per cent of the total. At a public celebration on Feb. 28, Port Moody's first chief librarian, Ian Holter, will tell stories about the library at a gathering of current and former staff and interested patrons.

They're packing them in: books and people (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Feb. 15, 2003)
Few places in Coquitlam could boast the diversity of age, ethnicity and interests that come together daily and pack themselves into the branches of the Coquitlam Public Library. "It's like a village well," says library director Karen Harrison. "It's where people come together. Unfortunately we don't have the space for that to happen as much as we'd like." Both branches of the library are trying to cope with a population that is expanding and changing demographically, a situation that taxes both the library's space and resources. The declining number of school libraries has added a further burden on the public library. It does not help that Coquitlam receives the lowest funding in BC among cities of the same size, spends the least on acquisitions and has staffing levels below the national average. Still, Harrison and library board chair Colleen Talbot continue to invite people to the library, boasting about the quality and popularity of its services, particularly children and young adult programming. This year, the library is fundraising harder than ever, looking to raise $25,000 to add to the collection and seeking other funding to improve its Asian-language materials. Both branches will be holding celebrations on Feb. 22 to mark the 25th anniversary of the library.

Jarman earns history honour (Prince George Citizen, Prince George, BC - Feb. 17, 2003)
Joan Jarman, public relations officer at the Prince George Public Library, was one of two recipients of this year's Jeanne Clarke Memorial Local History Award. Jarman received the reward for preserving Prince George's local history and for implementing the first local history program in 1984 (which itself won a prestigious award from the American Library Association). The Jeanne Clarke Awards have been handed out annually to individuals making outstanding contributions in the filed of local history.

Library, union impasse remains over contract (Abbotsford Times, Abbotsford, BC - Feb. 23, 2003)
For the first time since last summer, negotiations have resumed between the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) board and CUPE Local 1698, representing over 300 library workers. "It's taking quite a long time," remarked president of the local, Marina Kristjanson. "The contract expired at the end of 2000." The main issue of contention continues to be the scheduling of mandatory Sunday work hours at straight time pay. Contract negotiations will coincide with FVRL budget talks, which will have a substantial impact on negotiations with the union. Sharon Gaetz, chair of the FVRL board, points out that when dealing with 15 municipalities, all with different needs, both budget and contract talks are difficult.

Telling tales (Maple Ridge News, Maple Ridge, BC - Feb. 26, 2003)
It's hard to say what the crowd of 25 expected from Maple Ridge Library's first ever adult-only storytime event, but by the time the evening ended, most seemed pleasantly surprised - even those who did not realize that the readings would be of books typically used for the library's children's story sessions. Event organizer Pat Dawson had the idea and pitched it to some co-workers, who were happy to be involved. Each read a few stories, ranging from stories for pre-schoolers to fiction for alder children. The books were selected based on the presence of content that might slip by the intended age group and be appreciated by adults. The event has been judged a hit and another session is already being planned for the summer.


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