PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS CLIPPINGS APR - JUNE 2002
LITERACY EVENTS
Time for a good book (The Dawson Creek Mirror, Dawson Creek, BC - Apr. 19, 2002)
Photo with caption - Mayor Dahlen proclaims April 17 - 23 Library Week in Dawson Creek. The week will conclude on Canada Book Day.
Celebrate BC writers this week (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Apr. 25, 2002)
Background about BC Book and Magazine Week including a list of noted BC authors and recommended reading for various age groups.
Breakfast for the mind (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Apr. 27, 2002)
Squamish Public Library will host the second annual Breakfast of Champions event on Apr. 30. In partnership with the Capilano College (and via funding from the National Literacy Secretariat and the Ministry of Advanced Education), the event brings in speakers to discuss child and family literacy.
Bedtime stories in pajamas (Houston Today, Houston, BC - May 1, 2002)
As part of its Canada Book Day celebrations, the Houston Public Library offered bedtime stories to pajama-clad tykes who enjoyed books and lullaby sing-a-longs while lazing on a sea of pillows. Book draws were also held with prizes for kids, teens and adults.
Authors face gauntlet of fans, giant bubbles (Nanaimo News Bulletin, Nanaimo, BC - May 9, 2002)
Children had the opportunity to meet the authors of some of their favourite books at The Childrens Book Festival held on the weekend. Authors and illustrators signed autographs and read from their works. The literacy event was co-sponsored by the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
AUTHOR READINGS
Spider spins his web at library (The Gazette, Grand Forks, BC - Apr. 24, 2002)
Popular Vancouver sci-fi writer Spider Robinson will be reading from his works at the Grand Forks and District Public Library on May 1. Robinson talks about how his mother instilled a love of reading in him and the value of the sci-fi genre.
Writer comes to Sooke for reading (Sooke News Mirror, Sooke, BC - May 1, 2002)
The Sooke Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library will be hosting a reading and discussion by Ontario writer Eric Walters. Walters writes for the young adult audience and will discuss both his works and the process of writing. Adults are also welcome to attend.
Pioneer woman (The Coast Reporter, Sechelt, BC - May 5, 2002)
The Gibsons and Sechelt public libraries will both be presenting readings from writer and modern pioneer Chris Czjakowski, who has published a number of books chronicling the experiences of her rugged wilderness lifestyle.
Author to give talk (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - May 10, 2002)
On May 24, historical fiction writer Jack Whyte will be speaking at an event organized by the Friends of the Kelowna Library. Whytes books depict life in early Britain around the Dark Ages.
Oppel captures students attention (Parksville/Qualicum Beach News, Parksville, BC - May 10, 2002)
As part of the Vancouver Island Childrens Book Festival, Port Alberni author Kenneth Oppel read from his new book Firewing (part of his Silverwing saga) to a large crowd of kids and adults at the Parksville Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Oppel won the 2000 CLA award for the second book in the popular series, Sunwing.
From arts take column (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - May 16, 2002)
Vancouver prosecutor and author Ralph Keefer will be reading from his book Grounded in Eire, recounting the wartime experiences of his father.
National Librarian and creator of The Hockey Sweater reads to Nelson (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - June 3, 2002)
While in town to act as keynote speaker for the British Columbia Library Trustee Association Conference, National Librarian Roch Carrier stopped by the Nelson Municipal Library to read from his new book, Life with the Rocket: The Maurice Richard Story, and to talk to library patrons. Best known for his childrens story The Hockey Sweater, Carrier says that the notoriety hes gained from that story has aided him in his advocacy for books and libraries for children. Carrier became the National Librarian in 1999. He has written over 50 books and holds numerous doctorates.
TECHNOLOGY
Library adds 11 more e-books to collection (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Apr. 28, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library has added 11 new e-books to the five currently in circulation. The electronic books can hold from four to 15 full-length titles and have features such as one-touch print enlargement. They can be borrowed for up to two weeks.
Demand for Internet being met (100 Mile House Free Press, 100 Mile House, BC - May 1, 2002)
Even though the publics demand for Internet access at Cariboo Regional District libraries in on the rise, this demand is being met thanks to a $35,000 grant from Industry Canada to be used to increase the number of computers available. Library staff estimate that public access computers are in use 80 per cent of the time.
Library hiring youths with grant money (Alberni Valley Times, Port Alberni, BC - May 10, 2002); Library to hire 13 youths (Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC - May 14, 2002); Libraries looking for youths to teach basic Internet skills (Campbell River Courier-Island, Campbell River, BC - May 15, 2002); Students to aid library Internet (Nanaimo News Bulletin, Nanaimo, BC - May 16, 2002); Libraries hiring young people for Internet jobs (Comox Valley Echo, Courtenay, BC - May 17, 2002)
Five articles detail grants provided to the Vancouver Island Regional Library to hire youth to teach Internet skills: The province has provided funds for nine youth through the Youth@BC program; the second grant, from the federal governments Young Canada Works Program, will employ an addition four youths.
Library gets computers (Oliver Chronicle, Oliver, BC - May 23, 2002)
The Oliver Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library will be one of the beneficiaries of additional public access computers purchased with a $60,000 sustainability grant provided by Industry Canada. An additional $22,900 from the provinces Youth@BC program will be used to hire youths to train patrons in computer use.
Mega-bite memory - Girl lives on through donation (Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - May 29, 2002)
A computer in the childrens section of the Burns Lake Public Library, donated as a legacy to a child who died in 1990, has received an upgrade. The grandparents of the youngster originally purchased the computer in 1995, and now, with assistance from the Bulkley Valley Credit Union and an Industry Canada grant, the workstation has received a memory upgrade and a new scanner. This computer is a good association with Stephanie because she had trouble learning to read, and she had a computer, says Stephanies grandmother, Pat. Im sure this computer will be of help to many children.
New look for library resources (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - June 1, 2002)
By 2003, residents of Port Moody and Coquitlam will be able to do much of their library business on-line. Through the Smart Choices program, the libraries will offer renewal, search, fine paying and reference question capabilities from any computer. The two libraries will also have their collections linked together (and to Douglas College and SFU libraries), giving patrons access to over 1 million volumes.
Free computer tutoring at Salmo Public Library (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - June 3, 2002)
The Salmo Public Library is offering free, one-on-one computer training thanks to the Youth@BC program. The program will run all summer during all hours that the library is open. Topics of instruction run the entire range of basic computer usage.
Learn to use the Net in Cantonese and Mandarin (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - June 9, 2002)
During July and August, the Richmond Public Library will be offering free demonstrations of the Internet for Cantonese and Mandarin speaking adults.
BUILDINGS
Pages unfolding in Cowichan library saga (Cowichan Pictorial, Duncan, BC - Apr. 21, 2002)
It will cost the average property owner 91 cents a year to pay for the new Cowichan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, if a borrowing bylaw requesting a loan of $2.5 million to be paid over 20 years is passed. The library is slated to begin construction in November for a fall 2003 opening. If five per cent of property owners do not approve of the bylaw, the measure will go to referendum. Four consultant candidates have been selected to submit designs by mid-May. The steering committee tasked with overseeing the project still have a number of issues to resolve regarding lands and buildings surrounding the proposed site.
New library needs $2.5 million loan (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - May 12, 2002)
The Cowichan Valley Regional District has passed a third reading of a bylaw that would see the district borrow $2.5 million for a new library facility. An agreement with the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) would see the VIRL lease the 12,800 sq. ft. facility for about $200,000 a year.
Library moves to design chapter (Cowichan News-Leader, Cowichan, BC - May 22, 2002)
The New Westminster firm CJP Architects has been chosen to act as prime consultant for the design of the new Cowichan library. The CJP team will meet with the library steering committee on May 29. The public is urged to send any ideas or concerns they have about the proposed facility to the committee.
City rewarded for excellent facilities (Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC - May 4, 2002)
The British Columbia Library Association has awarded the City of Courtenay its BCLA Merit Award for building projects, calling the new Courtenay library stunning.
No new library for citys north end (Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC - May 29, 2002)
The Vancouver Island Regional Library has revised its facility plan, and a new library at the Hammond Bay Road headquarters is not one of its recommendations.
Library expansion (Alberni Valley Times, Port Alberni, BC - May 30, 2002)
The Port Alberni Branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library will get a planned expansion (doubling its size to 8,000 sq. ft.) in 2005, but city councillor Donna Brett wonders if the city will ever be able to recoup the cost.
Desert meeting sets up ocean library (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Apr. 29, 2002)
Prince Rupert chief librarian Allan Wilson has returned from a trip to Arizona with a sealed letter to be opened by the library board next week. Wilson travelled to the southern US state to meet with renowned architect John Rattenbury and discuss the possibility of Rattenburys firm producing a design for the Book Boat project. Though he want no money for the plans, Wilson said that the architect wants to know that the city is serious about completing the project. Rattenbury is the son of Francis Rattenbury, whose supposedly lost plans (on the Titanic, no less) for a number of Prince Rupert buildings were recently found and returned to the library.
New library on the books (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - June 11, 2002)
At its recent AGM, the Prince Rupert Public Library Board promised to formalize it relationship with Taliesin, John Rattenburys architectural firm interested in designing the proposed floating library. The board also vowed to expand fundraising and planning for the project.
Its time to replace our appalling library (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - May 31, 2002)
Editorial column - Writer points out the sub-standard conditions of the Cranbrook Public Library as related by a library employee in a previous letter to the editor. The column goes on to suggest that the library was a sacrificial offering when a recreation facility was in the works, and wonders why an upcoming referendum to approve the building of a new library is needed at all.
Architects discuss vision for library (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - June 10, 2002)
Workshops held by the firm tasked with designing the new Cranbrook library say that residents see their library as much more than a place to simply house books. People really see the library as a community meeting place, said a spokesperson for the firm. Elements of a new facility that people said were important included size (larger), computers (more of them) and location (centrally located). An open house is planned for later in the month to give residents more information about the progress being made.
Ernst site still possible (Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Quesnel, BC - May 15, 2002)
The top floor of the Ernst Young building does not meet the minimum standards for a new library location, but that apparently does not rule it out as a possibility, according to Mayor Steve Wallace. Library Task force chair Dalton Hooker says the site meets only one of the three main criteria (a downtown location), and was therefore not considered viable by the task force.
Surrey, White Rock talk library merger (The Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - May 29, 2002)
Despite the mayors of Surrey and White Rock not coming to an agreement to even discuss the possibility of merging library services, councillors from the two cities will meet next month to look at the issue. Surrey is planning to build a new library only blocks from a current White Rock facility used heavily by Surrey residents. Options to discuss include a merger, White Rock leaving the Fraser Valley Regional Library system and going it alone, or closing down the branch altogether.
Library expansion brings community together (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - May 30, 2002)
Although the expansion to the Pemberton & District Public Library wont be complete until the fall, library officials felt it wasnt to soon to show their appreciation to the new wave of volunteers who have been instrumental in the projects success. A small celebration was held on May 24, at which librarian Jan Naylor thanked many of the people and organizations who helped with the renovations that will nearly double the librarys size.
Director says new library overdue (The Morning Star, Vernon, BC - May 31, 2002)
Greater Vernon Services Commission director Gary Beardsell says that the Okanagan Regional Librarys plan to build a new library in Vernon by 2005 is too late and would like to see the library target date changed to 2003. Beardsell is concerned the construction will simply be put off again with such a distant date, but Okanagan Regional Library director Lesley Dieno says the 2005 date is based on a five-year plan, and that there is a lot of work to go into planning and building the kind of branch needed for an area that size.
DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING
More than $1,000 for library (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - Apr. 11, 2002)
The Friends of the Library garden party fund-raiser collected over $1,300 for the library.
Fore literacy (The Valley Echo, Invermere, BC - Apr. 17, 2002)
Photo with caption: Invermere Public Library librarian Liz Robinson accepts a cheque for $1,103 from Stu Tutty of the Kinsmen Club, representing proceeds from Februarys Snow Golf Tournament.
Lions pride (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - Apr. 23, 2002)
Photo with caption: Lions Club members pose beneath a plaque acknowledging their $20,000 donation which was used to improve the librarys childrens section.
Library Briefs: Last chance to win big! (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - Apr. 30, 2002)
The Chetwynd Public Librarys upcoming 13th Annual Yard Sale will feature about 50 tables of goods for sale, a Silent Auction, prize draws and a concession. Proceeds will go to the library.
Library takes fundraising into its own hands (The Prince George Free Press, Prince George, BC - Apr. 25, 2002)
Prince George Public Library chief librarian Edel Toner-Rogala is pleased that the provincial government has confirmed operating grant payments for the next three years. But that has not stopped other cutbacks from effecting the library and for that reason the library is getting serious about fundraising. The library has created a manager of marketing and fund development position and set a goal of $58,000 that needs to be met by fundraising. An aggressive portfolio of events includes the Library Gala, which this year is expected to raise $14,000.
Book sale best ever (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - May 1, 2002)
Over $1,300 was raised by the Friends of the Library, Cowichan Branch, a new record. The money will help furnish the new library.
Library given unusual gift of watercolours (Oak Bay News, Victoria, BC - May 8, 2002)
The Oak Bay Library is the recipient of an unusual gift: thirty-four post-card size paintings of Oak Bay scenes done by a Los Angeles neurobiologist. The donator (whose elderly mother lives in the area) has requested that the paintings be sold with the proceeds going toward new magazine subscriptions.
Wine Festival raises almost $10,000 (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - May 16, 2002)
The 12th Annual Whistler Wine Festival on May 9 was attended by more than 300 people and raised $9,850 for the Whistler Public Librarys collections and programs.
Library to honour dedicated donor (Richmond Review, Richmond, BC - May 25, 2002)
Kwok-Che Lee is one of the Richmond Public Librarys most esteemed benefactors, having given more than $147,000 and 47,500 books to the librarys Chinese language collection (one of the largest of its kind in the country). The library and city will be honouring Lees contributions at a ceremony on May 28.
Notice with no title (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - June 1, 2002)
Black bear researcher Michael Allen will be presenting his monthly slide show at the Squamish Public Library, with the $5 admission going toward library fundraising.
Festival gets bigger and better (The Northerner, Fort St. John, BC - June 5, 2002)
On June 9, the Hudsons Hope Public Library will be holding its 4th Annual Strawberry Festival, a major fundraiser for the library. This years theme is Creative Endeavours and will focus on local artists and their crafts. A donation to the event will get visitors some shortcake and tea, entertainment, draws and a silent auction. Money raised will be used for materials and programs.
Friends of Library publishing cookbook (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - June 10, 2002)
The Friends of the Cranbrook Library want to put together a cookbook as a fundraiser and are asking for submissions of recipes and an idea for a title. Submission forms are available at the Friends Coffee Bar in the library.
BUDGETS & FINANCE
Note: Many papers covered the announcement regarding provincial per capita operating grants paid to public libraries. Most articles simply reprinted the information supplied in an April 30 information bulletin issued by the ministry of community, aboriginal and womens services. This note serves to acknowledge these articles without burdening the reader with a litany of repetitive reporting. The information bulletin can be viewed at: http://os8150.pb.gov.bc.ca/4dcgi/nritem?5306. - Ed.
Library budget back to the drawing board (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Apr. 27, 2002)
The Squamish Public Library has been told by district council that it will not be getting the 21 per cent (about $84,000) budget increase it had requested so the library could open an extra day a week and avoid the full two-week closure that occurred in 2001. Library board chair Sonja Lebans says she will call a special board meeting on May 15 to review the library budget and start to slash and burn a little.
Library gets sixth day (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - May 4, 2002)
The Squamish Public Library will not get the $84,000 it requested from district council, but it will get enough to open an additional day for limited hours for half the year. After a wide-ranging discussion between council and members of the public library board, it was agreed the library would get an increase of $10,000 plus a possible $2,000 more to cover some additional expenses. The new hours would not come into effect until July. The final decision will be made at a May 15 special meeting.
Saturday library openings start July 1 (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - May 18, 2002) A slight budget increase of $10,000 will allow the Squamish Public Library to open Saturdays for four hours beginning July 1. The libraries total hours of operation will not increase, however, as Sundays and Thursdays will have operations reduced by two hours each. The library will remain closed on Fridays and be shut down for 1-week periods in late summer and at Christmas.
Reading corrected figures (The Powell River Peake, Powell River, BC - Apr. 24, 2002)
District of Powell River councillor Hector Beauchesne quotes a number of statistics he says support his assertion that funding for the library has not been cut and has actually been increased, leaving the library with a budget deficit of only $9,796.
Skewed priorities (The Powell River Peake, Powell River, BC - May 1, 2002)
Rebuttal to above article from former Powell River and District Public Library chair Linda Florence. Florence says the article leaves out pertinent information and she also questions why a district with a budget of $22 million would not be able to come up with the less than $10,000 the library needs to maintain an essential service.
Town rejects revised library funding model (Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle, Ladysmith, BC - Apr. 23, 2002); Library funding change garners little support (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - Apr. 28, 2002); Library assessment changes nixed by Parksville (Parksville/Qualicum Beach News, Parksville, BC - May 14, 2002)
Articles from three Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) communities reporting that the councils from Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley Regional District and Parksville all voted down a proposed change to the VIRL funding formula. The change would have put a cap of 30 per cent of the per capita average on the amount any contributor would pay, with amounts greater than 30 per cent being reallocated to all VIRL members. A few VIRL communities pay much higher rates because of soaring property values.
Surrey respondents prioritize library funding... (The Interior News, Smithers, BC - Apr. 17, 2002)
A recent survey regarding the towns spending sent to 3300 residents has had less than 100 completed forms returned, but that was enough to see the Smithers Public Library benefit by way of a $26,000 increase in their funding. Respondents clearly identified the library as a service deserving of more money. Head librarian Lane Jackson says the cash will help the library with some automation upgrades that will bring us into the twenty-first century.
Sparwood library looking for book patrons (The Free Press, Fernie, BC - Apr. 30, 2002)
Increased costs in areas such as utility payments and technology maintenance have caused a serious cash crunch for the Sparwood Public Library. Librarian Wendy Hillier notes that two years ago the library was talking about expanding, and now they are struggling just to keep the doors open. The library requires nearly $120,000 to remain operation, but has received just over $110,000 from the district, $2,000 of that conditional on the library matching money through fundraising.
Financial news good for regional library (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - May 1, 2002)
Because of a population increase, The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) got a $6,000 increase in its provincial per capita grant over last year. The total grant for this year from the province is $801,042. ORLs total library budget is $10 million.
Astute librarian lands cash boost (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - May 1, 2002)
Prince Rupert chief librarian Allan Wilson has landed his library an increase of almost $7,000 to its provincial per capita operating grant. By approaching the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District, Wilson arranged to officially expand the librarys service to outlying villages of the area. An infusion of funding from the district triggered an increase in provincial money. The librarys grant total amounted to $45,893.
Library funding goes up (Burnaby Now, Burnaby, BC - May 5, 2002)
Not only was provincial library funding not effected by recent cut-backs, but the Burnaby Public Librarys per capita operating grant went up by $2,500 due to an increase in the regions population. Burnaby chief librarian Paul Whitney says, A provincial grant is a really important component of funding - it allows the province to maintain certain standards.
Public library gets Sunday hours (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - May 13, 2002)
Library users got some good news from city council when it was announced that a decision had been made to re-open the Cranbrook Public Library for six hours each Sunday. Sunday closings were instituted last spring as a budget cutting measure, but input from the community showed how important it was for people to have access to the facility on the one day many families had to visit the library together. The cost of opening on Sundays is $21,000 a year. Sunday openings have been part of the library since 1978.
Library to lose $400-G in shift (The Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - May 22, 2002)
The White Rock branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library stands to lose over $400,000 in subsidy money from InterLINK (a lower mainland library consortium that pays a library each time a resident from a different community borrows materials) once a new Surrey library branch opens only blocks from the White Rock facility. White Rock mayor Hardy Staub says its too soon to panic, adding that reduced traffic at the library could mean reduced overhead, better service for remaining patrons and no need for the InterLINK cash. A survey will be distributed next month to gauge the priorities of library users.
North Shore library holds own (Kamloops This Week, Kamloops, BC - May 24, 2002)
The North Kamloops branch of the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library System (TNRDLS) is nearly as busy as its downtown counterpart, and could use comparable hours, including opening on Mondays. That action would add over $52,000 to the TNRDLSs yearly budget, but its something district staff feel would be worthwhile and will look at the possibility of achieving.
CHILDRENS CORNER
Emily Way is librarys fantasy girl (Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - Apr. 24, 2002)
Burns Lake resident Emily Way has won not one but two categories in the public librarys Young Adult Writing Contest - Best Short Story and Best Graphic Design (both in the 12 - 14 age group). Both entries were based on Emilys fantasy-themed tale Beauty of the Woods. A profile of Emily and short excerpt from her entry is also featured.
All ears (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - May 2, 2002)
Photo with caption: Volunteer listener Stella Rourke enjoys a quiet corner of the library as four-year-old Dessa Lindberg reads aloud to her as part of the librarys Read-Along program.
Local youth wins bookmark contest (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - May 9, 2002)
Whistler youth Dave Wiebe, age 15, took top prize for the North Vancouver/Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky region of the Design-A-Bookmark contest sponsored by Public Library InterLINK. Wiebe received $100 and had his design printed on bookmarks distributed at the library.
Get your kids booked for the summer! (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - May 28, 2002)
The Chetwynd Public Librarys annual summer reading program (Booked for the Summer) will be offered again this year, but with a totally revised format, although the popular (and award-winning!) Survivor-based activity days will continue and be expanded to include other age groups. The free program lasts for seven weeks over the summer months.
Friends of Library donate to summer reading program (Oliver Chronicle, Oliver, BC - May 29, 2002)
The Friends of the Oliver Library will once again help support the librarys summer reading program with a donation of $500 to be used to purchase book prizes. The money will be raised at the annual Paperback Book Sale.
Teenage Surrey scribes invited to compete (The Now, Surrey, BC - June 1, 2002)
The 14th Annual Young Adult Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Submissions can be in one of three categories: short story, poem or comic. Ages 12 to 18 can compete. Prizes of $50 to $100 will be awarded in each category. Entry forms are available at the library or on the librarys web site.
WV teen library advisory group wins award (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - June 2, 2002)
The West Vancouver Memorial Librarys Teen Advisory Council will receive a Certificate for Community Services, an award recognizing the work done by volunteers in service to the community. The teen advisory group assists the library by providing feedback and input on how to make the library more accessible to teens. It also develops projects that promote teen involvement in the library.
Summer is time to read (100 Mile House Free Press, 100 Mile House, BC - June 5, 2002)
Krista Blades, Summer Reading Coordinator for the 100 Mile Public Library says she has lots of ideas for this years program, entitled Booked for the Summer. Each week will offer a different theme with activities and reading materials geared to each. The free sessions will run from early July to mid-August.
AROUND THE PROVINCE
View Royal picks downtown library, not Juan de Fuca (Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria, BC - May 22, 2002)
The township of View Royal has upset its western neighbour, Colwood, by joining with the main branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and not the Juan de Fuca (JDF) branch located in Colwood. Under the terms of a casino revenue-sharing agreement, View Royal (who had abstained from delivering its own library service due to its small population) was obligated to join a branch of GVPL. Colwood council assumed their geographically closer branch would be the obvious choice, but View Royal mayor Bill Camdem said they had the pick of any GVPL branch and they chose the downtown location because it was the one most residents utilized. At issue is the over $300,000 View Royal has to pay to be part of the GVPL, some of which would have gone directly to the JDF branch.
Library deal challenged (Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria, BC - June 5, 2002)
The community of Langford (a neighbour of Colwood) has sought a legal opinion regarding the township of View Royals decision to join with the main branch of the GVLP and not the JDF branch in its delivery of library service. The legal opinion argues that by not allying itself with the West Shore communities, View Royal has contravened the portion of the agreement that states the arrangement must not have any negative impact on quality and cost of service to any other party. Proponents of View Royals decision say its all about money - Langford would have received $100,000 as its share if View Royal joined with the JDF branch. Now it will get only $16,000 as its portion of the money split over the entire GVPL system.
Community big on books (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - Apr. 16, 2002)
Library use at the Agassiz Public Library has increased by a whopping 780 per cent since 1997. Library manager Lorraine Kelley attributes much of the increase to the new library building, now a year old. She says the welcoming design and generous floor space have made the library something of a community centre.
Cranbrook Public Library Slogan Contest (Kamloops This Week, Kamloops, BC - Apr. 21, 2002)
Entry forms available at local schools and library. Prizes for slogans that best describe the library.
Public library worried about damaged books (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - May 1, 2002)
In an attempt to make the public more aware of the problem of books being damaged and vandalised, the Richmond Public Library has set up a display of damaged books and other library materials.
Librarians invade Whistler (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - May 2, 2002)
The 2002 British Columbia Library Association conference was held in Whistler from May 9 to 11. The approx. 300 attendees attended workshops and listened to guest speakers, all of which were related to the theme Trek to Technology. The keynote speaker was Michael Gorman, Dean of Library Services at California State University. A trade show and social events were also part of the conference.
Book-borrowing privileges extended to Cranbrook (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - May 2, 2002)
Creston Public Library users in good standing will now be able to borrow books from the Cranbrook Public Library. The reciprocal privileges have some restrictions and materials borrowed need to be returned to the lending library (Cranbrook items returned to Creston will be shipped for a cost-recovery charge). The Creston Public Library has also now instituted phone-in renewal, which will be available for a limited time each day from Tuesday to Saturday.
Library honoured for working with Asian community (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - May 12, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library was honoured with the Building Community award at the recent 2002 ExploAsian Canadian Heritage Awards sponsored by the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. Programs and services available to Asian patrons include introductions to computer basics, employment seminars, new immigrant orientation and reading clubs. Central to the librarys Asian services are holdings of over 72,000 Chinese language books, CDs and DVDs.
Wonder card wows library elite (Daily News, Price Rupert, BC - May 14, 2002)
Prince Rupert Public Library chief librarian Allan Wilson received the 2002 British Columbia Library Association Merit Award for his ingenious new way to stop library lenders from absconding with library materials. Wilsons solution is a library card that requires a credit card transaction to possess. If books are not returned, the library can charge the cost to the delinquents credit card account. The card costs $5, but is free to anyone living within the librarys service area. Wilson is also proud of the cards design, which features First Nations art by Tsimshian artist Henry Green. The card even sports a new word in the language of the Tsimshian Nation, Wap Liitsx - House of Reading, or library.
Fifth year for Hope library (The Hope Standard, Hope, BC - May 16, 2002)
The Hope Public Library is celebrating its fifth birthday at its new location. Since moving from a basement in the district hall, the library has seen a huge increase in use, hosted numerous computer training sessions and witnessed a 500 per cent increase in program attendance.
Librarians pleasantly surprised by compliments in latest survey (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - May 17, 2002)
The Okanagan Regional Library board is very pleased with the results of a survey distributed to 2,750 random households. The biggest surprise was that 72 per cent of those who responded indicated they would approve a $1 per year increase in property taxes to improve library service. As to how the money should be used, half felt collection development was a top priority, while slightly less wanted increased hours. The board also approved in principle a draft strategic plan based on the survey.
Police on the lookout for peeping Tom (Richmond Review, Richmond, BC - May 18, 2002)
Police and library staff are on the lookout for a peeping Tom after three separate incidents at two Richmond Public Library branches. In all three cases a man attempted to observe female patrons using the stalls in the washroom and only left when the women screamed. One of the victims phoned the Richmond Review about the incident when she felt the library was not letting patrons know what was happening, but chief librarian Greg Buss said the library was taking the reports very seriously and had posted signs warning people. Library staff are working to monitor the actions of suspicious persons, while police examine surveillance tapes to try to identify the culprit.
Library house calls available for shut-ins (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - May 30, 2002)
Profile of the Creston Public Librarys home service and outreach program, which pairs volunteers with patrons who are unable to make visits to the library. The patrons reading preferences are determined, then materials are selected and delivered. The free service has been part of the librarys activities for years.
Sex popular at Okanagan Regional Library (The Okanagan Saturday, Kelowna, BC - June 1, 2002)
Madonnas 1992 pictorial release Sex is one of the most reserved books in The Okanagan Regional Librarys (ORL) history. It still had 32 holds as of May 31. But the new champion of reserves is the latest release from John Grishom. His new legal thriller, The Summons, has a whopping 1,014 people waiting to borrow it. The ORL has only 60 copies of the novel (the maximum the library ever purchases of a single title). Combined with the three week lending period, that means it could be 51 weeks before some patrons get their hands on a copy. ORL executive director Lesely Dieno has even put a call out to anyone who purchased the book to donate it to the library once they have finished with it.
DVDs come to the Whistler library (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - June 6, 2002)
On Saturday, June 8, the Whistler Public Library will be unveiling its new DVD section. With a large number of people requesting the video format, and the future of the market heading in this direction, the library decided to get on board now. The format is also much more durable and offers more features for borrowers than conventional VHS tape. The current selection is made up mainly of classics and newer award-winners. The initial lending period will be for seven days with a limit of two titles per borrower.
Audiobook program saved but cut back (The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, BC - June 12, 2002)
InterLINK, a consortium of 17 Lower Mainland public libraries, has agreed to take over the provincial Audiobook Program which was cancelled in a the recent round of cutbacks. InterLINK would also get a one-time payment of $200,000 to produce new titles over the next few years, although the total number of newly created items would be less than what the province was producing. 400 other titles would be purchased each year over the next five years from commercial sources, and 150 additional titles would be acquired by the CNIB.
Turning the page - Director of regional library system to close book on 30-year career (The Daily News, Kamloops, BC -June 12, 2002)
After 12 years as the head of the regional library system and nearly 30 years in the library field, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library System director of libraries Alice Dalton is stepping down. Alice began her library career in Edmonton in 1972, came to BC in 1976 and was head of the Kamloops branch by 1983. One of the biggest challenges she oversaw was the 1993 split of the Cariboo-Thompson-Nicola Library System. The most challenging current area of library affairs for Dalton is the advent of the Internet and the space, cost and safety issues that come with the technology. Dalton says, Its been a challenging job and I just feel really privileged at having been a part of the growth in the last 12 years. Weve certainly come a long way. Dalton will be replaced by the current manager of library and support services, Kevin Kierans.
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