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PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS CLIPPINGS - JUNE-AUGUST 2002

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Note:  Many articles appeared in papers all over the province regarding summer reading programs.  The following is a sampling representing BCs various regions.

Booked for the summer (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - June 11, 2002)
Booked for the Summer is the theme of the Provincial Summer Reading Program, giving kids an opportunity to read and participate in activities.  Reading achievements are tracked in a log book and a prize is awarded for each level completed.  Each week will have a different theme, such as Mystery, Animal Adventures and Wizards, Witches and Goblins.  A picnic for kids and adults will close the summers fun.  All activities and materials are offered free of charge.

Summer Reading Club starts July 9 at library (Bridge River-Lillooet News, Lillooet, BC - June 12, 2002)
This years summer students are busy planning activities for the Summer Reading Club beginning July 9.  This seasons events will include a visit from BC author/illustrator Bonita Forsyth.

Summers the time for childrens books (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - June 13, 2002)
Whistler Public Library will once again be conducting a Summer Reading Club for children ages three to nine. This years theme, Booked for the Summer, encourages kids to takes books with them wherever they go and allow books to take them places.  The program will be kicked off by a visit from childrens author Linda Bailey.

Reading clubs set for summer (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - June 19, 2002)
This year, North Vancouver District libraries hope to break 2001s record of almost 4000 children participating in the program with 39 per cent completing the 50 days of reading so they could claim book prizes.  Participants who read at least 15 minutes a day will receive a sticker for each seven day block of reading they complete.

Summer means time to read (The Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - June 26, 2002)
Powell River Public Library Summer Reading Club co-ordinator Autumn Girard hopes to link reading to other summer activities.  She will be setting up an outdoor reading area at the library as part of the libraries Booked for the Summer program.  A makeshift campground (complete with tent) will be where the kids can experience a different literary theme each week.  Activities will be linked to the themes, such as mask-making for ghost story week.

African drums, stories start summer library program beating (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - June 27, 2002)
The Summer Reading Club will be announced by the beat of African drums at the Trail Public Library. Artistic director for the Malicounda Dance Company for Children, Louise Raymond, will be the first to be featured in a series of free special events for children to promote reading.  Other events will feature Martini the Magician and a visit from the SPCA.  Of course, reading will also be emphasized, with prizes going to kids who read for 30 minutes a day.

Reading club books for summer (Undercurrent, Bowen Island, BC - June 28, 2002)
The Summer Reading Club can get kids hooked on reading for life.  The free program offers kids the chance to also win medals if they can read for at least 15 minutes a day for 50 days.  This years program is sponsored by local libraries, the British Columbia Library Association and the Public Library Services Branch of the Ministry of Community Aboriginal and Womens Services.

Summer reading should be fun, never boring (Prince George This Week, Prince George, BC - June 30, 2002)
Creating the longest freight train in the world is just one of the unique activities planned for kids this summer at the Prince George Public Library.  Childrens program co-ordinator Marie Kelly says that every time a child visits the library they will be given one car of a train to decorate which will them be added to the hoped-for 660 cars that will snake through the library.  This railway themed project will join youth volunteer programs (where older kids will help out with activities for younger participants), the building of web page, and , of course, lots of reading.  The train theme also extends to a model train display, train movies and passes to the Railway Museum.

Turning kids onto books (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - June 30, 2002)
The summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to read, and the library is prepared to help.  All branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library have programs running all summer that can help kids and parents select books and get involved in other reading-oriented activities.  Even teens can get into the act through the librarys popular Reading Buddies program, which pairs teens with younger kids.

Smithers Library Booked for the Summer (The Interior News, Smithers, BC - July 3, 2002)
The Smithers Librarys summer reading program kicks off with Camp Read-A-Lot in which participants will pick up reading journals, listen to storytellers, enter artwork contests and try their hands at creative writing.  The program closes on July 29.

Library reading group returns (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - July 6, 2002)
Free performances from childrens entertainers are just part of the Agassiz Public Librarys Summer Reading Club.  Magician Juan Garcia is scheduled as the programs first performer.

Hooked on books (Kamloops This Week, Kamloops, BC - July 7, 2002)
Children in younger age groups regress in reading skills during the summer break from school according to Wendy Bainbridge, head of youth services of the Kamloops Library.  The summer can also be a great chance for weak readers to improve skills.  Thats where the Booked for Summer Reading Club comes in, offering free programs for age groups from pre-schoolers to teens.

Beaver Valley Library offering bevy of activities (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - July 2, 2002)
The Beaver Valley Library is well into providing a bevy of activities for kids this summer.  Craft projects, dance programs, storytellers and the Summer Reading Club will all keep kids busy.  The library is especially excited about its computer programs, including an online scavenger hunt.

Kids booked for summer (The Calendar, Winfield, BC - July 10, 2002)
Lake Country kids have plenty of opportunities to keep up their reading skills and have fun at the same time during this years summer reading program, Booked for the Summer.  So far about 75 children have signed up and received suitcase-shaped reading logs to keep track of the books theyve read.  Each book read will earn a child a ticket that goes into a draw for prizes to be awarded at the August 21 wrap-up party.

Booked for the summer at the library (Houston Today, Houston, BC - July 10, 2002)
Photos with caption:  Face painting and colouring were part of the July 3 registration day for the librarys reading program.

Librarys reading program attracts more kids (Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, BC - July 18, 2002)
In its 16th year of existence, the Dawson Creek Librarys summer reading program looks to hit a new high for enrolment, with 165 kids signing up on the first day of the program, compared to 117 last year.  So far, close to 500 children have enrolled, with a few weeks still left to sign up.  This years theme is Highway of Reading, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Alaska Highway.  The program is funded totally through donations from local business and organizations such as the Lake View Credit Union, which donated $2,000 to the program.

Young readers can explore books on-line (Richmond Review, Richmond, BC - July 20, 2002)
Kids are piling into the library to take advantage of Summer Reading Club activities, but they can also take part on-line through the web site at: www.bcla.bc.ca/src.  On-line destinations include the Mystery Motel, Fantasy Fairgrounds and Kids-Like-Me Campground.

Get Booked for the Summer (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Cowichan, BC - July 24, 2002)
Kids can sign up for the Booked for the Summer reading program at any branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library.  The more kids read the better chance they have of winning weekly draws.  Web games and book review writing (which will be posted on a Web page) activities can also win kids prizes.

Kids Booked for the Summer (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 26, 2002)
So far, 332 have signed up for this years summer reading program, with over 3,000 books read and almost 500 coupons and prizes for reading handed out.  The program wraps up with a closing ceremony on August 21.

Up, Up and Away (Alaska Highway News, Fort St. John, BC - Aug 1, 2002)
Photo with caption:  The Fort St. John Public Library held a Superhero Day as part of its summer reading program.  Kids got dressed up and played games.

TECHNOLOGY

Easy on the eyes
(The Daily News, Kamloops, BC - June 14, 2002)
It only cost $550, but it will prove invaluable to hundreds of visually impaired area library computer users.  ZoomText is an advanced software system that allows the user to magnify the desktop image and augments the visuals with synthetic audio.  Thompson Nicola Regional District Library System computer technician Larry Maki recently previewed the program for some patrons and CNIB staff, who gave the software a positive review.

Summer Internet lessons return to Agassiz library (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - June 18, 2002)
Free Internet lessons funded by the provincial government have returned to the Agassiz Library.  The Youth@BC program proved popular last year says returning instructor Camilla Coates, who conducts five 45-minute sessions each Thursday, Friday and other Saturday.  While the lessons are free, reservations are required.

Youths can surf porn at libraries (Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC - June 21, 2002)
Like many libraries in North America, the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has struggled with the balance between protecting patrons from cyberporn and providing free and open access to information.  While some BC libraries, such as the Fraser Valley Regional Library system, have installed filters that block out porn, hate sites and chat rooms, these filters also create ethical and practical problems of their own.  VIRL is in the process of installing optional filters on library computers, but the library notes that it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to make sure kids are using library facilities responsibly.

Library offering free computer training this summer (Penticton Western News, Penticton, BC - June 25, 2002)
For the fourth summer, the province is providing funds for the Penticton Public Library to hire two youths to offer free Internet training.  The Youth@BC students will give 90-minute sessions designed for the beginning computer user.  In addition to the training, the youths will also give the librarys Web site a fresh look.

Library strives for literacy of a virtual kind (The Valley Echo, Invermere, BC - June 26, 2002)
Michael Pollack, a co-op student from Selkirk College is helping residents improve their computer literacy.  As part of the provinces Youth@BC program, Pollack is giving free computer lessons to anyone who wants to begin or improve their computer knowledge.  Pollock also does website maintenance for the library and troubleshoots computer problems.  Later in the month, he will assist when the travelling Mobile Gates Lab (part of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations International Library Initiative) arrives in Invermere.

Internet demystified at summer training classes (The Maple Ridge News, Maple Ridge, BC - July 20, 2002)
In 2001, the Youth@BC program helped about 450 people improve their computer skills.  This year the program has doubled the number of group seminars and hopes to attract even more participants.  The program is also being given a higher profile by increasing internal advertising to library patrons.  Youth@BC began in 1997 with 10 participating libraries and has now grown to serving over 40 libraries in all regions of the province, with 90 youth trainers representing host libraries in over 70 communities.

Free Punjabi, Hindu Computer Training (The Link, Surrey, BC - July 20, 2002)
The George Mackie Library of the Fraser Valley Regional Library will be offering a series of computer-oriented classes in Punjabi and Hindi in August.  The sessions include: Introduction to Library Research; Learn English on the Web; Health Information on the Web and Buying a Home Computer.  One-on-one sessions are also available.  All sessions are free but registration is required.

Library briefs (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - July 23, 2002)
The librarys website now has a completely new design and revised content.  New features include pictures from Summer Reading Club events.

BV Library offering more Web classes (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - July 24, 2002)
The popular Web page development classes held at the Beaver Valley Library will continue through August, but on August 6 the class will be pre-empted for an informative Web awareness session for parents who want to find out more about safely navigating the Internet.  One-on-one computer training will also continue through Aug. 16.

Courtenay Library reaches 100th student mark in free summer program teaching Internet skills (Comox Valley Echo, Courtenay, BC - July 26, 2002)
Courtenay Library patron Andy Ireland became the 100th student to receive and introductory lesson on Internet use from Youth@BC instructor Matt Barry.  The Vancouver Island Regional Library has hired 13 youths to act as computer tutors throughout the library system.

Free Internet training running out (Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Quesnel, BC - July 28, 2002)
Youth@BC Internet trainer Carrilee Dunlop wants people to know that there is only a month left to take advantage of free computer training at the library.  This is Dunlops second year as a trainer and she is somewhat concerned that interest is only half of what it was last year.  This is especially important to note, since the provincially funded program survived recent government cutbacks, and needs to show that there is an interest so that more funding will be available in the future.  Having said that, she also notes that those who have taken advantage of the training have found the sessions fun and useful.

DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING

Public library deepens resources
(Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - June 12, 2002)
Thanks to a financial donation from the Community Health Advisory Committee, the Burns Lake Public Library is now in possession of a new collection of health-related resources.  It has already been a popular addition to the library. says librarian Linda Palmer.  A lot of the materials are already out.

WV library benefits from a day of croquet (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - June 14, 2002)
The West Vancouver Memorial Library held its sixth annual croquet tournament fundraiser, complete with costumed team entries, food by the Four Seasons Hotel, auctions and awards.

Local library gets new shelving (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - June 24, 2002)
The Childrens and Reference sections of the Nelson Municipal Library will be getting a new look thanks to the Friends of the Library purchasing adjustable metal shelving units.  The library will be closed for one day while the shelves are being installed.

LD writers scribble new book, cheque (Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - June 26, 2002)
To show their appreciation for what the library has done for them and for the community in general, The Northern Scribblers Guild held a book sale at the Burns Lake Public Library, hawking copies of their new anthology and giving the proceeds ($1,200) to the library.  The Guild also contributed an additional $1,000 cheque.  The money will go toward the librarys expansion project.

Book lover donates fortune (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - July 4, 2002)
The West Vancouver Memorial Library has just received the largest private gift in its 50-year history - in memory of her husband Bill Patrick, Anna Patrick has donated $1.1 million to the library.

Sloganeer donates winnings (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 15, 2002)
The winner of the Cranbrook Public Library Slogan contest, Brian Adams (whose winning entry was Expand Your Universe) has donated his winnings back to the library to be added to the new building fund.

Links tix for sale (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - July 17, 2002)
Tickets for the Links to Literacy Golf Tournament are now on sale.  Proceeds will go towards the Port Moody Public Librarys childrens centre.  Tickets to the golf and an evening banquet are $100.

New childrens collection at library (The Penticton Herald, Penticton, BC - July 19, 2002)
Photo with caption:  A $2100 donation from the Kiwanis Club of Penticton has been used to purchase 64 literacy kits for children.  The kits include books and audio tapes.  Two cassette players and headphones were also purchased.

Thank you (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - July 20, 2002)
The Squamish Public Library would like to thank everyone who helped in donating a total of $4,000 to the library in the last two months.

RPL joins forces with Chinese library (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - July 24, 2002)
On Aug. 9 & 10, the Richmond Public Library (RPL) and the Chinese Community Library Services Association will team up for a massive Chinese language book sale.  RPL will be contributing well over 1,000 items on various subjects, and the prices are promised to be very good.  The money raised will go toward restocking the shelves with new materials.

Mildred Whites book collection goes to Kimberley Library (The Kimberley Daily Bulletin, Kimberley, BC - July 26, 2002)
The Kimberley Library is proud to announce that they will be permanently displaying the Mildred White Collection, an assortment of books which reflect the life-long interest White had in nature.  White was a life-long member of the Rocky Mountain Naturalist Club.  Her children, Terry and Kathy, presented the books to the library.

BUDGETS & FINANCE

Library referendum planned for Sept. 7
(Sooke News Mirror, Sooke, BC - June 26, 2002)
Brian Henson, Capital Regional District (CRD) director, wants the Juan de Fuca (JDF) Electoral area to pull out of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) and join the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), stating that the move would save the average family $15 per year in tax support for library services.  Henson adds that many residents currently served by the VIRLs Sooke branch complain that the branch is not convenient for them and would like to have the use of GVPLs eight branches.  But more remote residents say that the change would leave them with a more than one-hour drive to their nearest library.  Henson has asked that a referendum for JDF residents be scheduled for Sept. 7 to vote on the issue.  VIRL board chair Donna Gault calls the possibility of the change devastating, and notes that Henson does not seem to be aware of VIRLs proposed changes to how library service is assessed.

Henson feels his strategy to lower library taxes is working (Sooke News Mirror, Sooke, BC - July 3, 2002)
The JDF representative on the CRD board says his strategy to get the attention of the VIRL over library service costs, by scheduling a referendum to let voters decide to leave the VIRL for the GVPL, is proving very effective.  The chair of the VIRL has ordered a special meeting on July 6 to discuss the issue, saying, Were going to investigate any opportunities we can use to keep JDF.

East versus West - Line seems be drawn in branch switch (Sooke News Mirror, Sooke, BC - July 24, 2002)
The lines seem to be drawn in the debate over JDF electoral areas potential library services switch from the VIRL to the GVPL.  From a patron perspective, residents in East Sooke (closest to Victoria and the Western Communities) seem most in favour the change, while more westerly library patrons claim the switch would put too much distance between them and their library (many claim the extra expense in gas costs would eat up any tax savings).  The battle continues in a war of words between VIRL and GVPL reps.  VIRL board member Peter Wainwright charges that GVPL has been actively campaigning for the switch by offering a slashed-rate service contract to JDF.  GVPL chief librarian Sandra Anderson counters that the offer to JDF is no different from what any prospective new member area would get.  The VIRL says it will now wait and see what the outcome of the Sept. 7 referendum will be before offering any deal of its own.

Henson says his fight is against funding scheme (Sooke Mirror News, Sooke, BC - July 31, 2002)
CRD director Brian Henson says his squabble with the VIRL is about an inflexible funding scheme, not pressure from some residents to switch the source of library service.  Henson says the current VIRL system has JDF residents paying too much for service while having too little say as to how the funding scheme works.  VIRL says it recently tried to make changes to the funding formula that would have favoured JDF residents, but it was not approved by the required two-thirds majority.  Henson attended a July 18 VIRL board meeting but complained he was shut out of an in-camera session.  VIRL reps said Hensons presence at this part of the discussion would have been a conflict of interest.

Article with no title (Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle, Ladysmith, BC - July 16, 2002)
The Vancouver Island Regional Library has nixed a plan to change its funding formula, since over one-third of represented areas have voted against the proposal (a two-thirds majority was required to pass).  Under the current formula, member areas with higher property values end up paying a higher share for library services (the CRD currently pays 75 percent over the average, Tofino 66 per cent).  The proposal would have seen that no area would pay over 30 per cent more than the average.  Ladysmith council, which would have seen a slight increase under the new plan, voted against the deal.

Extended library hours will cost region $100,000 (The Daily News, Kamloops, BC - June 14, 2002)
It will cost about $100,000 to increase hours of operation in branches around the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library System (TNRDLS).  A report from TNRDLS director Alice Dalton recommended the increase as some branches do not meet minimum standards of operation.  About half the cost will go toward opening the North Kamloops branch in Mondays.  Other branches receiving an increase in hours are Cache Creek, Clinton, Blue River, Lyton and Savona.

Lease fee increased for library (Osoyoos Times, Osoyoos, BC - July 3, 2002)
Osoyoos city council has approved an 8.1 per cent increase in the lease rate it charges the Okanagan Regional Library for use of its Osoyoos branch.  From 2003 to 2005, the rate will increase from $7.40 to $8.00 per sq. foot for the 2,609 sq. ft. property.  The rate has not changed since 1997.

Library introduces membership fees (Coast Reporter, Sechelt, BC - July 14, 2002)
There will be no more free library service for patrons who live outside the areas that provide direct tax support for the Sechelt Public Library.  This means the 1,100 residents of Pender Harbour and Roberts Creek will now have to pay a $60 per year membership fee if they want to borrow books (but there is nothing stopping them from going in the library and doing reference work or using a computer).  This new get tough policy is a response to strained budgets and sticking to the reality of library service.  Library chair Gary Foxall says, Theres an assumption libraries are free, but they arent.  They are paid for by tax dollars.

Trustees looking for answers to shortfall (Coast Reporter, Sechelt, BC - July 28, 2002)
Gibsons library trustees Marilyn Marshall and Bob Currey are visiting community groups as they try to get the publics input on the matter of a $40,000 shortfall expected in the librarys 2003 budget.  One of the options up for discussion is the implementation of $60 user fee on the residents of Roberts Creek, who make up 14 per cent of the librarys borrowers, but pay no taxes toward library service.  But Curry and Marshall are concerned this option does not offer a reliable source of income and goes against the basic principles of free access to information.  Currey and Marshall will report their findings at a Sept. 4 board meeting.

City to close book on library system? (The Abbotsford News, Abbotsford, BC - July 27, 2002)
Abbotsford mayor George Ferguson says hes ready to consider pulling out of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) system unless he is given more autonomy in how Abbotsford libraries operate.  Fergusons main complaint is that union policies are getting in the way of opening some branches on Sundays and Mondays, despite the publics requests for the additional hours.  Chilliwack mayor Clint Hames has a similar complaint, wanting to be removed from the FVRL regulations regarding operating hours or even how the library looks.  Abbotsford and Chilliwack pay about 25 per cent of the FVRLs total operating budget.  Their withdrawal could have series effects of the systems remaining libraries.  But leaving the FVRL is not so easy - a referendum must be organized, followed by a years notice to the FVRL.

BUILDINGS

Library open house previews new building
(Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 17, 2002)
The public is invited to an open house to see what the new Cranbrook library might look like.  Public opinion is welcome.  The current proposal calls for a 15,000 sq. ft. facility located just across the street from the present building.  The open house is a major step toward the Nov. referendum on building the new library facility.

New library open house gets good turnout (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 22, 2002)
An enthusiastic group of 200 took part in the open house set up to allow the public to get a preview and ask questions regarding the new Cranbrook library design.  The meeting lasted four hours and included a presentations by the architect, the mayor and council reps, and discussions about various funding plans for the $3.5 million project.  The panel also fielded questions about the new facilitys location.

Library referendum campaign gets ready for action (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 29, 2002)
A Yes committee made up of volunteers will be overseeing the public campaign to garner a positive vote in the upcoming referendum on the new library facility.  A campaign blitz will begin on Sept. 1 and continue for 10 weeks up the Nov. 16 vote date.  Advertising materials will be developed for businesses and individuals, with posters, brochures and an e-mail newsletter in the works.  The committee hopes to sell the public on the planned designs new look (described as a lounge aesthetic), the more space for enlarged collections and improved features such as more computer terminals.

Committee impressed by designs for new library (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - July 10, 2002)
The public were welcome to come and view the three potential designs for the new Cowichan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, displayed in the current library lobby on Monday and Tuesday.  The current preference is for option one, which features a two-story, floor-to-ceiling window design.  Once a design is selected, the plans will be completed by the end of summer.

Library proposal embraced (Cowichan Pictorial, Duncan, BC - July 14, 2002)
The Cowichan Community Centre Commission has given the nod to the first of three prospective design for the new library.  Librarian Donna Wakefield says the new 12,800 sq. ft. layout is just what she was hoping for, giving the library 25 per cent more room for books, reading areas and computers.  Construction is set to begin in Dec. 2002 and finish in Oct. 2003.

Golden Library closed for renovations (Golden Star, Golden, BC - July 17, 2002)
The Golden branch of the Okanagan Regional Library will be closed for interior renovations from the end of July to the beginning of Sept.  The project budget has ballooned from and proposed $660,000 to almost double that due to structural deficiencies discovered in the facility during the tender process.  This added expense will mean that alterations to the  exterior will be put on hold.  The funding for the project will come from local taxpayers.  Books taken out before the closure will not be due back until the re-opening.

OK Falls library closing the book on current location (Penticton Western News, Penticton, BC - July 27, 2002)
The Okanagan Falls branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) will be moving from its cramped quarters to a new building at the end of the year.  The move is funded by the ORL so that the branch can meet guidelines for a facility serving its current population.  Aside from more room for books and a copier, the branch will be getting an Internet terminal, making it the last of ORLs 29 branches to offer public Internet access.

Library funding under fire (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - June 26, 2002)
Although North Vancouver District voters okayed the borrowing up to $26 million in 1996 for a project that would include a new library for Lynn Valley, no such facility has yet been approved.  District community planning manager Irwin Torry said he hopes to present a library design and funding option to council in July.  But Coun. Ernie Crist says of the project, Its a shambles.  He says that current plans do not jive with the original intentions, such as incorporating the museum and archives into the project.  He adds that the idea of including retail space is a bad one, explaining that the move is being done out of fiscal necessity and not what is best for the project.  Meanwhile, the Friends of the North Vancouver District Public Library are getting started on their own funding drive, hoping to make sure that the library has all the amenities of a modern facility.

Ambitious project planned (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - July 5, 2002)
North Vancouver District Council has unanimously supported a plan to build a $36 million complex anchored by a new library facility.  Of the approx. 125,000 sq. ft. project, over 40,000 sq. ft. would be taken up by the library.  The rest would be retail, restaurant, office and public space.  Coun. Ernie Crist, who had reservations regarding the plan, voted yes because he felt it was the best they could do with the current funding situation (Crist charges that money held in a Heritage Trust for years, which could have been used to help fund the project, has been drained due to mismanagement, resulting in the need to depend on retail space to make up the cost).  But Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn says the project will have many positive spin-offs for the district.

Gorge/Tillicum residents make their case for a neighbourhood library (Esquimalt News, June 12, 2002)
While at a very tentative stage, some Gorge-Tillicum residents are talking about a library being built that would better serve the area.  Members of the Greater Victoria Public Library Board said they could see this coming, as the current library locations leave the area under-served.  A recreation centre and an adjacent mall are being talked about as potential sites.

Library task force recommends site (Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Quesnel, BC - June 16, 2002)
A task force set up by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) submitted its report regarding where the site for a new library should be located.  And despite much recent discussion over two potential locations, it appears that neither will be considered.  Task force chair Dalton Hooker has instead handed in a report which states that neither of the lead contenders meets the minimum criteria and that either a renovation or demolition and re-building at the current site are the best options.  The recommendations will be handed over to the CRD for a final decision.

Library collection grows (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - June 17, 2002)
Even though the Creston Public Library is already operating in very close quarters, they felt they had no choice but to accept the collections from the law library (due to the closure of courthouse) and the former Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries office, a total of roughly 1,400 books.  I felt it was the librarys will to serve all of the people of the Creston Valley and that meant absorbing these collections, said chief librarian Gina Rawson. Were just going to have to do the best we can in the situation were in.  The library is currently awaiting word about a federal/provincial infrastructure grant that would be used to build a new library.

Esquimalt takes charge of town hall-library project (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - June 25, 2002)
Esquimalt mayor Ray Rice says the municipality has taken over the job of general contractor of the new library complex because the original developer, Bond Development Corp., did not want to do the job for the negotiated price of $155 per sq. ft.  The original builder remains.  The project is scheduled to be completed in seven months.

Books are like imprisoned souls (The Record, New Westminster, BC - July 14, 2002)
Books are like imprisoned souls til someone takes them down from a shelf and frees them. - Samuel Butler.  This is just one of the quotes about books and reading which grace the new entrance to the New Westminster Public Library.  The renovation has solved some the entranceways problems and added more handicapped parking, a pedestrian ramp and better lighting.

Trails regional partners not sold on funding new library (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - July 18, 2002)
Trails regional partners (which include Warfield and Fruitvale) have nixed the idea of funding the library portion of a new civic complex, at least until November when the issue will be taken to voters.  A recent Greater Trail Library Services Study showed that the both the Beaver Valley Library and the Trail Library needed space upgrades to meet current standards, but Warfield councillor Derril Thomas says that is just too expensive.  He said he would approve building a new library in Trail if it was a central library for the area, but this notion has been criticized as equally expensive since Trail library operating costs are much higher.

City awards contract for new South Surrey library (The Leader, Surrey, BC - July 26, 2002)
Surrey city hall has awarded the $6.8 million contract to build the new South Surrey library to North Vancouvers Norson construction.  The library will be second only to the Guildford branch in size.  Chief librarian Beth Barlow is thrilled to be one step closer to a new facility, and says the library will cater to the demographics of the area, including an expanded art collection and a study area to attract high school students.  Ground-breaking is tentatively scheduled for Sept., with a fall 2003 opening.

Facility design taking shape (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 1, 2002)
The people working on the design of the new Whistler Public Library/Museum and Archives have chosen a one-story design for the $10 million, 27,000 sq. ft. project.  Construction will begin when the library capital fundraising campaign has raised 80 per cent of their $5 million share of the cost - scheduled for the spring of 2003.  The Resort Municipality of Whistler is paying the remainder of the cost.

Rattenbury redux: a legendary name in B.C. architecture is linked to a proposed Prince Rupert library project (The Vancouver Sun - Vancouver, BC - Aug. 3, 2002)
Prince Rupert chief librarian Allan Wilson wants to apply a Scandinavian solution to a BC coastal library program.  As in Norway and Sweden, small communities exist in all the regions many inlets and islands.  Rather than have a tiny library for each community, the idea of a bookboat to shape.  Wilson wants to float the idea here, converting a barge into a floating library that can be towed to any part of the region. The neat thing is that barges are cheap and plentiful here, says Wilson.  And the day you dont need the service any longer, you just retire the barge.  Wilson has an intriguing ally in his bid for the bookboat, world-renowned architect John Rattenbury, son of the legendary Sir Francis Rattenbury, designer Victorias Parliament Buildings (who also had a grand architectural vision for Prince Rupert until fate and tragedy intervened).  Wilson sees a Rattenbury-designed library complex as a key feature of a renewed city waterfront de! ! ! velo pment.

AUTHOR READINGS

Award-winning childrens author to visit
(The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - June 27, 2002)
Award-winning childrens author Linda Bailey will be visiting the Whistler Public Library to talk about her books and the writing process.  Ms. Bailey is known for her Stevie Diamond mystery series.  She was born in Winnipeg and now lives in Vancouver.  The readings were funded by a grant from the Public Library Services Branch.

Renowned author on B.C. nature comes to speak in Prince Rupert (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - June 24, 2002)
Nature writer and environmental advocate Terry Glavin will be talking about his work and protecting the North Pacific Ocean in an engagement at the Tom Rooney Playhouse.  The appearance is a joint presentation of the Prince Rupert Library and the World Wildlife Fund.

Tea with the Taliban (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - July 11, 2002)
Photo with caption:  The West Vancouver Memorial Library hosts as evening with local author Brady Fotheringham, who talks about his book On the Trail of Marco Polo: Along the Silk Road By Bicycle.

CHILDRENS CORNER

Elkford youngster receives reading award from library
(Elk Valley Miner, Fernie, BC - June 27, 2002)
A five-year-old Elkford boy has been given an award by the library to acknowledge his love of reading.  Young Christopher Takala has read 200 books in a one-year period.  The library thought it would be nice to recognize Christophers achievement as a way to encourage other kids to read.

Book drive enhances kids Chinese library resources (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - July 3, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library is asking anyone who has childrens Chinese language books, CDs, CD-ROMs or DVDs that they no longer need to think about donating them to the librarys Chinese language collection.  Book drive booths have been set up in various locations.  Donations that are not suitable for the collection will be sold at an upcoming book sale.

A sanctuary for children (Alaska Highway News, Fort St. John, BC - July 26, 2002)
Victoria artist Deryk Houston spoke to 34 children at the Hudsons Hope Public Library about his art and his recent trip to Bagdad.  Houston is working on a sculpting project born from experiencing the hardships children are suffering in Iraq.  Houstons talk was followed by a painting workshop and was filmed by a National Film Board crew doing a documentary about the artist.  Houston will return to Hudsons Hope to finish his project next summer.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Librarians reject offer by massive margin
(The Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - July 6, 2002)
Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) workers have rejected managements final offer by a margin of 262 to 6.  The FVRL board had asked the Labour Relations Bureau to force a union vote.  The key issues are the length of the contract (union reps, who want a three year deal, say the two year deal would mean new negations would have to start in just a few months), salary increase and working weekends.  So far, the talks have been going on for 18 months.

Library talks back on (The Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - July 20, 2002)
In hope of avoiding a disruption on library services, talks between the FVRL and its library workers have resumed.  Much of the discussion surrounds the issue of Sundays openings for the 22 libraries in the system.  FVRL executive Jean Dirksen says the current situation makes it very difficult to staff the branches on Sundays.  She would like to see a rotation system worked out where staff would still get two days off a week, but Sundays would be worked into the schedule.  She adds that Sunday is an important day for library users, and they want to provide quality staff for all the days the libraries are open.

Library board rejects CUPE proposal (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - July 27, 2002)
The FVRL board has rejected the latest offer from union library workers - with Sunday staffing still the major bone of contention.  The union says it is willing to allow workers to be assigned to Sunday duties, but that staff with religious or family reasons for not working be exempt from the concession. This proposal was rejected by the employer.

Sunday hours behind library contract fuss (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Aug. 3, 2002)
Staffing the library branches of the FVRL on Sundays continues to be the biggest stumbling block in the way of an agreement between unionized library workers and FVRL management.  Joan MacLatchey, vice-chair of the FVRL board, says there is a high demand for libraries on Sundays and some people are quite upset about the current Sunday service.  She adds that other municipal leisure facilities are open on Sunday and the library should be no different.

Looking inside the library (Gulf Island Driftwood, Salt Spring Island, BC - June 5, 2002)
The Salt spring Island Public Librarys long-term planning committee has begun its consultation process and has been meeting with its 145 volunteer staff to share their vision of the library.  Public meetings will be held in late June.

Trower wins lifetime award (The Coast Reporter, Sechelt, BC - June 9, 2002)
The prestigious B.C. Gas Lifetime Achievement Award has been given to Gibsons writer Pete Trower for his contribution to literary arts.  Trower is the author of 12 books, including the B.C. Book Award-winner Chainsaws in the Cathedral.  The 72-year old Trower received a cheque for $5,000 and will have his name added to the Vancouver Public Librarys Walk of Fame.

Volunteers at the heart of the Library (The Fernie Press, Fernie, BC - June 11, 2002)
The Fernie Heritage Library held its annual dinner to honour the many volunteers who donate their time to the library.  The volunteers and staff are the strength of the Library, said board chair Barry Anselmo.

Moody library chair wins award (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - June 12, 2002)
Port Moody library chair Barbara Nuttall received the Nancy Bennett Merit Award at the BC Library Trustee Association conference earlier this month.  Nuttall is in her eighth year as chair of the library and has been a tireless fundraiser for the library, collecting over $15,000 for childrens and adult areas in the last few years alone.  Nuttall has lived in Port Moody for last 35 years.  There are over 700 library trustees in the province.

Burnaby libraries the most used in Canada (Burnaby Now, Burnaby, BC - June 19, 2002)
At their year-end review to council, Burnaby Public Library (BPL) officials were proud to proclaim that in a 2001 study, Burnaby was rated with the highest per capita circulation of any large city in the country.  About 3.4 million items were circulated last year. The BPL also ranked second in visits per capita, with 1.7 million patrons passing through the doors of the four branches.

Library users dont mind paying fines, survey says (Terrace Standard, Terrace, BC - June 19, 2002)
The results of a library survey conducted earlier in the year show that Terrace loves its library.  The 200 respondents had heaps of praise for library staff and services.  Respondents priorities included spending more money on books and increasing operating hours.  Some even called paying fines a privilege.

CDs available at library (Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC - June 19, 2002)
A provincial government grant from last year has allowed the Vancouver Island Regional Library to purchase music CDs for their collection, something patrons have been requesting for some time.  Patrons can borrow up to five titles for a period of one week.

Library loan periods extended (The Gazette, Grand Forks, BC - June 26, 2002)
Responding to patron requests, loan periods will be extended to three weeks on all items.  And with the exception of inter-library loan items and books on hold for other patrons, renewals are also available.

National Aboriginal Day celebrated (The Hope Standard, Hope, BC - June 27, 2002)
Pat John told stories about First Nations people as part of the Hope Librarys celebration of National Aboriginal Day.

Raise-A-Reader literacy program goes national (The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, BC - June 29, 2002)
The Raise-A-Reader literacy program started by the Vancouver Sun will be expanding across the country.  All markets, from Edmonton to Halifax, which have a CanWest Global daily newspaper will be starting their own program.  The Vancouver project has raised over $400,000 in the last five years, with the Vancouver Public Library being one of the main beneficiaries.

Library book clubs are booming (Richmond Review, Richmond, BC - July 11, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library now has 37 registered book clubs and expects more to pop up.  Most are English, but there are also four Chinese language clubs.  The library loans blocks of paperback books out to club members.

Careers an open book (Burnaby Now, Burnaby, BC - July 17, 2002)
Burnaby Public Library chief librarian, Paul Whitney, has been named the co-winner of the Canadian Library Associations highest honour - the Outstanding Service to Librarianship award.  Whitney was pleasantly surprised to hear of the award, calling it a real honour, sort of like peer recognition.  Whitney has been at the Burnaby Library ever since graduating with masters in library science from UBC almost three decades ago.  But despite the passing years, Whitney says libraries are more like they were 30 years ago that one might think.  Despite the computer revolution, our business is still the lending of books.

Literary gents connecting with book talk (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - July 17, 2002)
Beginning in Sept., the Vancouver Public Library will be adding a unique new program - a book club for men only.  Books read will include such manly titles as Tom Wolfes The Right Stuff and Ernest Hemmingways For Whom the Bell Tolls.  The program will hopefully appeal to men tired of the selection of books in mixed-gender groups.  Membership is open to any man, but participant Blair Mercer says guys who plan to just sit there and stare need not apply.

Library adds Hindi DVDs and CDs (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - July 24, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library has added almost 500 Hindi movies on DVD and nearly 400 Hindi music CDs to its collection.  Up to five items at a time can be borrowed for a week.  The titles are only available at the Ironwood branch, but can be returned to any Richmond Public Library branch.

Summer reading club for adults (The Maple Ridge News, Maple Ridge, BC - July 24, 2002)
Adults are getting in on the summer reading club action in this new program offered at the Maple Ridge Public Library.  Participants can also win weekly prizes through July and August.

Eventful 75 years for Kits librarians (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - July 28, 2002)
The Kitsilano Branch the Vancouver Public Library, the oldest branch library in the province, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.  On July 27 librarians and staff from decades past gathered to swap stories.  These tales ranged in subject from peeping Toms, to safe-crackers and the never-ending issue of controversial books on the shelves.  And in the days before computers, even the simple act of putting a hold on a book makes for great conversation.  Currently, about 360,000 people a year pass through the library doors.

Check out a book about B.C. (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 1, 2002)
In acknowledgement of B.C. Day, Whistler Public Library librarian Joan Richoz highlights some BC-oriented reading suggestions available at the library.


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