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PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS CLIPPINGS - JUNE-AUG 2003
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
Keep the books open this summer (Royal City Record, New Westminster, June 28, 2003)
Reading Club dragons Lulu the Ballerina and rapster L. Kool Book J. have been visiting local schools to get the word out about the Summer Reading Club at the New Westminster Public Library. This year's theme - "Set the Stage - Read!" presents an art and performance theme, with materials highlighting dance, the circus, puppets, painters and writing. Parents and other caregivers are welcome to come in a help out with story-telling and other activities at the library.
Summer reading can be fun (Prince George This Week, Prince George, BC - June 29, 2003)
For 20 years now, the Prince George Public Library has put on the Summer Reading Club to make sure kids don't fall out of the reading habit over summer break. This year's program runs from June 30 to Aug. 13 and will offer a number of interesting activities formed around the theme "Set the Stage - Read!".
Reading club is all rarin' to go (The Gazette, Grand Forks, BC - July 2, 2003)
Summer Reading Club coordinator for the Grand Forks and District Public Library, Emma Triveri, says the goal of the program is to make reading fun and exciting for kids. To that end the library is offering three different programs for children between four and 11. The Activity Club gathers for craft projects, games or field trips. Home Readers aims to encourage reading by allowing kids to keep track of their accomplishments. And the Buddy Reading program helps kids who need some extra one-on-one time to improve their skills. The programs run from July 8 to Aug. 13.
Summer reading for children (Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - July 2, 2003)
Opening ceremonies for the Burns Lake Public Library's Summer Reading Club will take place on July 4. Program coordinator Ginger Lambert has been visiting local schools to talk about the program, which is typically attended by about 175 children ranging from preschoolers to 12 year-olds.
School's out...but reading's in (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - July 3, 2003)
Over 200 kids packed the basement of the Nelson Municipal Library for the kick-off of this year's summer reading program. The program, which runs this year from July 2 to Aug. 8, has been know to attract more than 700 participants. The library prides itself on ensuring that all area kids can participate, even those who live in rural areas and may not have library cards. "It's really trying to create an environment where [kids] find out that reading is actually fun, which a lot of adults haven't found out yet," says program coordinator Laura Hoskin.
Author Holt launches Summer Reading Club (Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - July 3, 2003)
Children's author Gerald Holt will be at the Whistler Public Library on July 9 to help kick off the year's Summer Reading Club. The popular author will read from his book Tails of Flame, based on his own WWII experiences as a boy in England. Holt will also be making appearances at the libraries in Squamish and Pemberton.
Kids read for fun (Undercurrent, Bowen Island, BC - July 4, 2003)
In the first two days of the Bowen Island Public Library's Summer Reading Club, 25 children have signed up with even more expected. Each member gets a reading log to keep track of their progress and each week of the program will feature different activities held at the library. Pre-school kids can sign up for their own Read-to-Me club which keeps track of books read to them.
Setting the stage for reading (Kamloops This Week, Kamloops, BC - July 4, 2003)
Nearly 150 children have signed up for Summer Reading Club 2003 at the Kamloops Branch of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library since June 16. Registration closes on July 19, but programs began June 30. Sheryl Sadorski, a summer student hired as a children's literature advisor, says she is amazed by the wealth of material for young readers and wants the kids to know that, "You're my boss. Put me to work finding a great book to read."
Books in Bloom at library (Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, BC - July 11, 2003)
The Dawson Creek Municipal Library's Books in Bloom Beach Party attracted over 200 kids who bowled, fished and drew as part of the library's summer-long program designed to keep kids reading during the school break. Kids can also earn tickets for a weekly kite giveaway by getting a ticket for each five books they read. More than 400 children have already signed up for the summer program.
Eager summer readers crowd Oliver Library (Oliver Chronicle, Oliver, BC - July 23, 2003)
Over 100 children attended each of the three summer programs offered to date as part of the Oliver Library's Summer Reading Club. "Library staff are very pleased with the response to their programs," says librarian Vicky White. The program wind-up party on July 31 will include the emptying of the library's prize bag, including the chance to take home a copy of the latest Harry Potter book.
Club encourages summer readers (Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - July 26, 2003)
The Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) has something to keep kids of all ages occupied during the summer months. The Ladner Branch of the FVRL has so far signed up 479 children and 28 teens, while the South Delta Branch has enrolled 400 children and 30 teens. Key to the program is the reading record log, in which kids keep track of the books they have read. Rewards for accomplishments can range from stickers to medals to tickets for dinner and a movie (for teens). While these prizes are fun, Ladner children's services assistant Marne Pieklowski says the real rewards come in the form of seeing the excitement the program can generate about literature in reluctant readers.
Summer Reading Club keeps growing (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 28, 2003)
So far, 320 kids have signed up for the Cranbrook Public Library's Summer Reading Club. Upcoming events include Circus Performer Week, featuring circus-themed story-times and a dress-up day.
Set the stage for reading (Williams Lake Tribune, Williams Lake, BC - July 29, 2003)
Under the direction of Summer Reading Club program leader Tara Davies, the 120 kids registered for the club are getting a chance to learn about artists and how they entertain, educate and encourage us to look at the world in different ways. Each week during the program a different theme will be celebrated, with participants doing crafts, reading and listening to stories and tracking their progress in a reading log. The province-wide program reaches 65,000 children each year and is sponsored by the BC Library Association and the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.
Theatre for readers (Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - Aug. 13, 2003)
The wind-up party for the Powell River District Public Library Summer Reading Club will take place on Aug. 21. The conclusion of "a summer well spent" , called Theatre on the Lawn, will feature a performance by the Set the Stage - Read! Players, storyteller Melanie Ray, book draws, awards and surprise guests.
Summer Reading Program a hit with kids (Bridge River-Lillooet News, Lillooet, BC - Aug. 20, 2003)
The 174 kids who took part in the Lillooet Area Public Library's Summer Reading program spent time reading, doing crafts and hearing stories. LSS student Gillian Kennedy organized the program, which also brought in guest readers from the community.
A big party to wind up summer reading program (Comox Valley Echo, Courtenay, BC - Aug. 22, 2003)
A rising thermometer has charted the progress made by Summer Reading Club participants over the past seven weeks, and the result is a record number of books checked out for the program. The Comox Valley Friends of the Library want to celebrate the achievement by holding a wind up party for the kids on Aug. 27. Clowns will perform, reading achievement medals handed out and Grand Prize Draw winners announced. Children registered in the Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Union Bay or Hornby branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library are invited.
Action highlights summer reads (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Aug. 23, 2003)
More than 4,700 kids took part in the 13th Annual Summer Reading Club at the Richmond Public Library. While the program officially ends Aug. 28, kids can bring their reading records into the library until the end of the month to collect stickers or medals. The medals where once again provided to kids throughout the province thanks to a grant from the Royal Bank Financial Group Foundation. Richmond library would also like to thank the Richmond News for publishing book reviews submitted by reading club members. Over 4000 book reviews were written by Richmond kids over the summer.
BUDGETS & FINANCE
City sending 'strong message' (Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - June 25, 2003)
The municipality of White Rock is threatening to withdraw from the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) if talk of slashing 25 per cent from the subsidy White Rock receives to offset the use of the library by non-FVRL patrons from Surrey is not curtailed. Fourteen FVRL municipalities pitch in $360,000 annually to cover costs incurred by the non-resident use, which makes up half of the White Rock Library's business. But that number is expected to plummet once Surrey's new branch, located just blocks from the White Rock Library, opens later this year. If the cut goes through it would cost White Rock about $90,000 a year. Coun. Margaret Woods, White Rock's rep. on the FVRL board, calls the threat to pull out only a bargaining chip at this point, and needs to wait and see what impact the Surrey branch will actually have. In the meantime, White Rock will spend $20,000 to evaluate alternatives to the FVRL, including joining Surrey, going it alone or having no library at all.
Not out of the Woods yet (The Now, Surrey, BC - July 2, 2003)
After allegedly losing her temper and jabbing another council member in the face with a pen during an in-camera meeting, White Rock Coun. Margaret Woods has been censured and kicked off a number of city committees, including her position on the FVRL board. Woods did not show up at the following council meeting. White Rock Mayor Judy Forster says the situation, which has garnered national headlines, has tarnished the city's reputation. RCMP are investigating the incident.
Region shelving subsidy (Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - July 2, 2003)
Over the next two years the FVRL will slash its subsidy to White Rock by 25 per cent per year. The 15-member board could not see the purpose of continuing the funding given that a new Surrey library will be opening, meaning that the many Surrey residents who currently use the White Rock Library will no longer use the facility. "You can't continue to subsidize a library that is not going to be used," said FVRL board chair Sharon Gaetz. White Rock reps. agree that initial use by Surrey patrons may come down, but that the situation could change as time goes on. White Rock has, however, already served notice that it intends to leave the FVRL system, a move made due to the fact that according the Library Act, a one year notice must be given to pull out of a regional network.
Sunday library openings approved for Walnut Grove and Murrayville (Langley Times, Langley, BC - Aug. 3, 2003)
Langley Township council has recommended four-hour Sunday openings for the Walnut Grove and Murrayville libraries and four-hour Monday openings for the Aldergrove branch. The council was responding to a FVRL report on service enhancement requests. The report also recommended that changes in the funding formula and the Murrayville Library reserve would mean that any direct costs stemming from the new hours would not directly effect the taxpayer.
Libraries to open Sundays for trial period this fall (Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Aug. 20, 2003)
Delta public libraries will experiment with giving library patrons what they are already getting for themselves elsewhere - Sunday operating hours. The hope is that the Sunday customers who are going outside of the FVRL, particularly to the Strawberry Hill branch in Surrey, to fill their library needs will stay in their own area if the service is offered. As part of its membership in InterLINK, FVRL has to pay a fee whenever its residents go elsewhere to borrow books. The cost of opening on Sundays could prove to be cheaper than paying the fee if enough Delta residents choose to borrow closer to home. A 2001 FVRL survey showed that 41 per cent of Delta library users would like to see hours extended to Sunday.
Infighting threatens library system (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - June 24, 2003)
Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) member municipalities Colwood, Highlands, Langford and Metchosin (CHLM) are suing the library over the manner in which the municipality of View Royal joined the library system last year, which CHLM claim cost them $300,000 (the amount View Royal had to pay to join the system, money that went to the library's Central Branch and not the geographically closer branch in Colwood). The worst case scenario would have the lawsuit resulting in the collapse of the agreements that support the library system. Vice-chair of the library board Robert McConnell called the lawsuit "unfortunate" and hoped that some other means of settling the dispute can be reached. "It's going to take money away from municipal services because lawsuits are expensive."
Library dispute heats up (Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria, BC - Aug 20, 2003)
The dispute between GVPL and its CHLM members is heating up, spilling over to include GVPL's proposed new Central Branch location. CHLM have now said they will not support any relocation of the downtown branch until the dispute has been resolved. The focus of the dispute is the $300,000 paid by View Royal to join the system, money that went to the downtown branch and not the Juan de Fuca branch which serves CHLM. "User figures prove that the majority of View Royal residents use the Juan de Fuca branch," says Lillian Szpak, Langford's representative on the GVPL board. Szpak added that, "We can't support any move [of the Central Branch] or any adoption of a new set of rules until this situation have been resolved. In other words, until we get our $300,000 back."
More money, more access (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - June 18, 2003)
The annual provincial grant to the Richmond Public Library will allow the library to increase public computer access and enhance the database collection. The $331,770 in funding was announced on June 16 by the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.
Library agreement signed (Coast Reporter, Sechelt, BC - July 19, 2003)
An agreement has been signed between the Roberts Creek Community Association and Reading Room, Sechelt Public Library, Gibsons and District Public Library and the Sunshine Coast Regional District for the provision of library services to Roberts Creek residents. Roberts Creek will now contribute to the cost of operation of the two public libraries (based on a tax assessment equal to other Sunshine coast areas). In return, Roberts Creek residents will have no-fee access to the two public libraries and their services. Shawn Cardinal, chair of the Gibson's Library Board called the agreement, "...our first step toward joint planning for improved library services on the Sunshine Coast and may eventually result in coast-wide library funding."
Possible hike in library fees raises concerns (Nanaimo Daily News, Nanaimo, BC - Aug. 20, 2003)
Changes in the library rate (an agreement between the Department of Canada Heritage and Canada Post that provides reduced rates for library materials sent through the mail) could mean an additional cost to the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) to the tune of over $1,000,000 a year. Nanaimo council has made a motion to support a resolution by the City of Parksville asking Canada Post to extend the library rate, which may not be continued past 2004. The current with-rate estimate for 2004 is $200,000. It could balloon to more than $1.5 million without the rate. Materials (which include books, CDs, video tapes, audiocassettes and DVDs) shipped between VIRL's branches account for about 10 per cent of its total circulation.
DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING
Flaming pancakes (Langley Advance News, Langley, BC - June 20, 2003)
Picture with caption: Langley mayors, library officials and local firefighters were on hand to receive the first donation (from Jan Monroe) made to the Wrap-a-Read project, which will help to buy children's books for this year's Christmas Bureau. A pancake breakfast will also be held on July 8 as a benefit for the Wrap-a-Reader program.
Iceland at the West Vancouver Memorial Library (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - June 22, 2003)
The Icelandic Canadian Club of BC has donated a 5-volume set of books called The Complete Sagas of the Icelanders to the library.
Port Moody Public Library golf tournament set for Sept. 11 (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - July 23, 2003)
The Port Moody Public Library's third annual Links to Literacy golf tournament tees off on Sept. 11. The library hopes to raise $20,000 from the event. Last year's tourney collected $12,000. Money raised will be used add Internet stations, buy more large print and audio books, and increase the collection of materials in other languages. Entry fee is $125 and includes golf and a banquet.
Hospice group works to expand resources (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - July 24, 2003)
The Creston Valley Hospice Society library committee is ready to turn over a collection of books, videos and other materials to the Creston Public Library. After the items are catalogued, they will be available to the public. A $1,000 donation from Columbia Basin Trust helped fund this expansion in library materials.
Squamish Public Library (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Aug. 1, 2003)
The Squamish Public Library thanks the Squamish Credit Union for donating $900 it raised from the sale of 2003 calendars.
Library survives thanks to helpers (Valley Echo, Invermere, BC - Aug. 6, 2003)
Invermere Public Library board chair Sandy McIlwain thanks the many institutions who have made donations to the library over the last year including: an additional $2,500 above the usual annual grant from the District of Invermere for book purchases, another additional payment of $1,000 from the Regional District of East Kootenay for the purchase of juvenile materials, a $500 grant from the Panorama Foundation to add to the sports-related materials, a donation by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation to keep pre-school Story Time happening, and to the many individuals who helped out over the last year with their time or donations.
Book sale contributors, sponsors volunteers thanked (Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 7, 2003)
The Whistler Public Library would like to thank all who helped make the recent book sale such a success. The sale raised $2,356.
AUTHOR READINGS
Kelowna Library welcomes two guest lecturing authors (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - June 20, 2003)
Two distinguished authors will be appearing at the Kelowna Library. On June 24, award-winning author Gail Anderson-Dargatz will give a reading from her books including The Cure For Death by Lightening. This event is sponsored by the Writers in Libraries program of the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services. The second appearance is by Celia Sankar, whose book Journey to Joy deals with getting past painful experiences. Sankar has written about personal growth for over 15 years. She will be at the library on June 26. Both readings are free.
Slade's scary style shaped by alter ego's early experiences (Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, BC - July 16, 2003)
North Vancouver horror writer Jay Clarke, who writes under the name Michael Slade, will be at the Vancouver Public Library tonight to speak about how he writes his bloodcurdling tales. A former trial lawyer, Clarke has churned out 10 best-selling Slade thrillers. Many of his ideas stem from his childhood fears, particularly images from lurid men's adventure magazines popular in his 1950s youth. Clarke and his daughter and writing partner Becky Clarke will also be fielding questions from the audience.
Author set to launch Vancouver (Maple Ridge Pitt-Meadows Times, Maple Ridge, BC - Aug. 12, 2003)
On Aug. 16 the Maple Ridge Library will host a book launch for the new work by local author Gail Sattler, entitled Vancouver. Sattler has written a remarkable 20 books since she took up the craft in 1995. Most of her stories are sweet romances and light comedy. Her newest tells the story of four Vancouver women each at a critical point in their lives.
BUILDINGS
[Note: The first article in this section deals with North Vancouver City, the following two are about North Vancouver District. - Ed.]
City library a tall order (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - July 27, 2003)
With a capital budget of between $17 million and $19 million, the new 35,000 sq. ft. library planned for North Vancouver City will not be cheap. But council has a plan to build the library with no increase of tax rates. The idea floating around is to construct two 66-metre towers on top of the facility and lease the office space to cover the library's cost. To make this a reality, rezoning the property would be required, as 55- metres is the current height restriction. Some on city council wonder if doubling the library's size is even required and that changing the high-rise restriction could lead to uncontrolled high-rise construction. But others in council argued that with up to 600 people a day using the current library, it's one of the busiest facilities in the city.
NVD moves plaza plan forward (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - July 27, 2003)
With the approval by North Vancouver District of a motion to allow the municipality to borrow up to $18 million, the proposed Lynn Valley library and town centre complex is one step closer to development. Two bylaws, one a loan authorization and the other to amend the 2003-2007 financial plan will now have to go to Victoria for approval. They are due back to council in Sept. While the original motion was passed unanimously by council, a number of councillors expressed concerns regarding the large scale of the project, which would be one of the biggest projects undertaken by the district. But others saw the facility as just the kind of project the area needs in terns of revitalization. Once the bylaws are returned, council must decide on whether to have a referendum or counter-petition on the issue. Some believe that the library should be a separate project, since the library already has $6 million in public support from a 1996 referendum on the rebuilding issue.
Library plan questioned (The Outlook, North Vancouver, BC - Aug. 7, 2003)
North Vancouver District resident (and a former Simon Fraser University engineering economy instructor) Bill Tracey, claims that the revenue figures being used by council to justify the building of a library and town centre complex are unrealistic and that true costs are not being factored into the project. Key to Tracey's allegations are the district's figures regarding the amount they hope to lease commercial space for and the estimated vacancy rate in the complex. Tracey feels both figures are being too optimistically gauged and that more realistic estimates would mean that the current shortfall estimated by the district of about $1.2 million (to be made up by taxpayers), would in fact be closer to $3.1 million. Councillor Ernie Crist adds that there are already enough funds in pocket and allocated to build the library on its own, without the need for costly retail/office space.
Library tops wish list (Saanich News, Victoria, BC - July 16, 2003)
Plans to create a new branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library in the Gorge-Tillicum area are now front and centre with local council now that a request has been put in for joint federal-provincial funding to help make the project a reality. Saanich mayor Frank Leonard says now that the municipality has received its requested infrastructure funding for another project, it is important to "get back in line" with a new project. Community association reps are delighted with the plan, saying that the relatively low library use by residents is mainly due to the lack of facility in their neighbourhood. The current front-runner for location is the site that currently hosts the local arena, shopping mall and movie complex.
Library in a bind (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - July 21, 2003)
A $19,000 report commissioned by the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) states that the library's 48,000 sq. ft. Central Branch has only 40 per cent of the space required for such a facility. Space has been an issue since 1986, just six years after the library moved to its current location. GVPL spokesperson Susan Henderson calls the space itself and its odd configuration (that forces the staff to split up collections which should be together) as dysfunctional. The 70-page report (which has not been made public) was compiled by CEO of Ontario's London Public Library, Darrel Skidmore. He looked at three options: moving to the newly vacant Bay building, leasing new space or building a new facility from scratch. Victoria mayor Alan Lowe has publicly supported the first option, with the Bay building offering 40,000 sq. ft. on each of its four floors. More information will be gathered by the library board and then recommendations will be sent out to the GVPL's 10 member municipalities.
Work finally underway on library (Cowichan News-Leader, Duncan, BC - July 9, 2003)
Construction has begun on the new Cowichan branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL), but one Duncan councillor says he still has bad feelings about the location. Councillor Ken Newcomb says that if the project had been approved in a 2001 referendum, the library would have been built by now and at a cost less than what is projected. As it stands the current plan has the library costing $2.9 million, $400,000 over the original budget after project bids came in over the proposed budget. Newcomb hopes that there will not be any other hidden or unexpected costs. The library is slated for completion in the spring of 2004.
New work on Comox library could start in January 2005 (Comox Valley Echo, Courtenay, BC - July 25, 2003)
Work on the new Comox branch of the VIRL has been pushed back to early 2005 from an original 2004 start date. The new date will allow the town to maximize payments from current tenants. The current library is being renovated at a cost of $200,000 to provide more space.
War of words heats up over library review (Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Quesnel, BC - July 2, 2003)
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued a strongly worded press release after a meeting between CDR northern directors and municipal reps. for the City of Quesnel to discuss a planned service review of the library function. The CRD claims that the review was prompted by "a refusal to relocate the Quesnel Library Branch to the [city-owned] John Ernst building." CRD chair Ted Armstrong, backed by Area "I" director Mary Glassford, accused the city of placing a political agenda before the needs of the taxpayers. Glassford also noted that a CRD library task force struck in 2002 already discounted the Ernst site for not meeting the minimum requirements of a new library facility. The new city report also suggests that a new municipal library governed by the City might be better able to deliver library service. Armstrong was "shocked and disappointed" by this revelation, saying that in no time during any previous monthly meetings between the CRD and the City, was there any indication from the City they were dissatisfied with the current library service. City Manger Charles Hamilton said the service review was submitted to council some months ago and was only one of a couple of such reviews currently being pursued by the municipality.
Political debate continues over Quesnel library service (Quesnel Cariboo Observer, Quesnel, BC - July 27, 2003)
While reps. for the City of Quesnel and the CRD argue publicly over control and funding of the city's current library, the reality of a much-needed new facility is still a ways off. The CRD has the construction of a new facility by 2008 as part of its overall plan, and has been putting funds away every year for that purpose. And a new library is sorely needed according to librarian Barbara MacKenzie, who has to deal daily with the current facility's biggest problem areas - a lack of wheelchair access and a dearth of space. Currently part of the collection must be hauled up and down stairs by staff daily and Internet access cannot be expanded because there is no room for additional computer workstations. Provincial statistics for library collections serving an area equal to Quesnel's would require a collection of about 65,000 items. The current library is not able to expand beyond 50,000 items.
Making more room at library (Chilliwack Times, Chilliwack, BC - June 24, 2003)
The Chilliwack branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library is making the most of a space originally conceived 22 years ago. Despite seeing circulation increase by 250 per cent since its 1981 inception, the branch has undergone no major renovations, and is currently simply trying to make the space at hand more efficient by knocking down some minor walls, shifting the stacks and centralizing information desks. A new atrium-like area for seniors will also be created. At some point a new library will be needed, with the city looking at a 2010 date for that to become a reality.
Seismic upgrade for library bookshelves (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - June 25, 2003)
The director and board of the Coquitlam Public Library have raised concerns regarding the shelving at the library in the event of an earthquake. The fears, brought forward in a report by the city's general manager of leisure and parks services, have prompted the city to borrow money to make the appropriate upgrades. The upgrades are not expected to interfere with regular library operations.
Ambitious plans for Mt. Pleasant (Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - July 13, 2003)
Preliminary plans for the new Mount Pleasant Community Centre (which includes a 12,000 sq. ft. library) will be unveiled at an open house on July 23 in front the current library at Kingsgate Mall. The new project will attempt to earn Leadership in Energy and Design silver status by using water and energy efficiently. Construction is slated to begin in late 2004 or early 2005.
Moving museum, library is on the books (Penticton Western News, Penticton, BC - July 15, 2003)
A report released this week by the city's park, recreation, and cultural advisory committee, summing up several workshops on the state and future of the museum and public library, has called both (which currently share a location) old and dysfunctional with insufficient space and storage room and a lack of parking. The report, which makes no final recommendations, considered the options of moving one or the other to a new location downtown (leaving the remaining facility to take over the entire current space), or moving both.
Committee ready to re-visit new library issue (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - July 18, 2003)
The newly formed Library Facilities Committee has started work on developing a plan to once again attempt to get a new library in Cranbrook. A referendum one year ago on the subject failed to pass when residents of Rural Area C, which abuts Cranbrook's borders, did not vote the necessary margin for approval. This new committee, which includes reps. from the city, Area C and the library, hope to build on the leg work done by the previous proponents for the project, but will have to re-evaluate things such as site selection in the wake of changes that have occurred in the past year.
Regional District considers moving public library into new high school (Valley Sentinel, Valemount, BC - July 23, 2003)
A potential partnership between the new Valemount high school and the public library has it's share of supporters, including library director Wendy Smith. But Smith notes that there are issues that would definitely have to be worked out prior to the idea becoming a reality. Both library staff and the Valemount Parent Advisory Committee say their main concern is the mixing of the public and students. But it should be also noted that the partnership has been done successfully in other districts. Smith comments that she would be "ecstatic" about the space the move would provide, as the current location has been at full capacity for some time now. At this time, the school board has yet to confirm its interest in the idea.
One question, one vote (Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - July 30, 2003)
On Nov. 15, Powell River residents will be voting on a single-question referendum to approve the borrowing of $4.5 million to upgrade the local recreation complex and add a stand-alone public library at the site. Council narrowly passed the one-vote option at a special meeting on July 29. The council vote was 4 to 3 in favour. Those who voted against were concerned the single vote on two separate projects would confuse voters, but the mayor (who voted in favour) said that "It's time to get out there and ask the question," adding that it would be the job of the council to make sure that residents understood fully what they were voting for. The total cost of the project is $6.5 million, with the remaining $2 million coming from a variety of sources including infrastructure grant money and timber harvesting revenue.
Fast track for library bid (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - Aug. 14, 2003)
On Aug. 12, Competition, Science and Enterprise Minister Rick Thorpe toured the cramped Creston Public Library and promised that its new application for infrastructure grant funding that could see the library moved to a new home would be reviewed quickly. A new application was required due to the vacancy created by the closure of the Creston Health Unit, whose building is seen as a prime new location for the library. Town councillor and library board member Larry Lavender says that the move makes sense both financially and in terms of location. Thorpe asked for a copy of the new application to be sent to his office as well.
New library to open Sept. 13 (The Leader, Surrey, BC - Aug. 17, 2003)
The new Semiahoo branch of the Surrey Public Library will open on schedule on Sept. 13, and new branch manager Trish Miller could not be happier. An 18-year veteran of Surrey's library system, Miller says the new facility will be filled with natural light and have plenty of room for the library collection to grow. The library also boasts unique design and construction methods that make it the first "green" library in the province. The building will also be the new home to the Surrey RCMP district office.
Building for books (Business in Vancouver, Vancouver, BC - Aug. 26, 2003)
To cope with the growth expected in New Westminster over the next few decades, a new library is in the works. City librarian Ron Clancy says that an increase of patrons and materials will mean that the current library (built in 1958 and renovated in 1978) should have its space increased from 40,000 sq. ft. to up to 65,000 sq. ft by 2025. The library currently sees 1,700 to 2,000 people through its doors a day.
TECHNOLOGY/YOUTH@BC
Pfeifer a speaker at Gates conference (Bridge River-Lillooet News, Lillooet, BC - June 25, 2003)
Sheila Pfeifer, the librarian of the Lillooet Area Public Library, gave a keynote speech last week in Toronto to librarians from across North America at a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations sponsored conference called Staying Connected: Building Support in the Community for Your Technological Programs. The goal of the conference (a warm-up to the joint CLA/ALA conference later in the week) was to share information on how libraries could use technology to engage their communities. Pfeifer was asked to speak because of the work the library had done to promote literacy, library use and providing Internet and computer training within the local St'at'imc First Nations communities. "It's a great honour to be asked to speak," said Pfeifer in an interview before she left for Toronto. Pfiefer also calls the multifaceted approach to providing library service to outlying communities "a natural progression" of what the library does.
GVPL offers computer primer for residents (Victoria News, Victoria, BC - June 18, 2003)
This summer the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) will be offering free computer instruction at all its branches. Group classes will be available at the Central Branch while other branches will offer one-hour one-on-one sessions. Classes will be taught by Youth@BC students, part of the community-based program administered by the provincial government and local libraries that allows young people to interact with other generations (the courses are mainly attended by older patrons who, according to GVPL's Susan Henderson, could feel like they are being left behind with no computer skills).
Student employee helps residents log on at Sooke library branch (Sooke Mirror News, Sooke, BC - June 25, 2003)
Twenty-year-old Matt Van Stone will take up his study of computer hardware once more in the fall, but this summer he is the teacher at the Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, helping anyone who is interested in getting started with or learning more about computers. Van Stone says many of the participants want to know more about searching for information on the Internet. Van Stone's presence is made possible through the Youth@BC program, now in its sixth year.
Help at library for the Internet challenged (Oliver Chronicle, Oliver, BC - June 25, 2003)
Internet youth trainer Kelly Long loves the fact that she is opening up a whole new world for many as she travels around the region and provides Internet and computer training to patrons at libraries in Oliver, Westbank, Peachland, Summerland and Keremeos as part of Youth@BC 2003. Long did not have any training experience when she applied for the job, so she was a student first, learning about both being a trainer and the kinds of features that libraries provide via computer and the Internet, such as on-line encyclopaedias and data-bases like EBSCO. It's hectic work, but Long loves it. "I am part of a huge program throughout BC and it is a wonderful opportunity," she says just before sitting down with another student.
Mobile lab project will help businesses (The Gazette, Grand Forks, BC - July 2, 2003)
Grand Forks & District Public Library Youth@BC trainer Danny Bowman says he has a number of things planned for those who want to improve their computer literacy this summer. He will be offering one-on-one training for those might want to do things such as study genealogy or finds news on the Internet. A series of computer lab sessions scheduled for late July could help people in businesses get training in PowerPoint, Excel or Word. "We're not exactly sure which areas we're going to target," Bowman says. Another project the future 11th-grader has in mind is a redesign of the library's youth webpage.
MLAs launch Youth@BC program at Coquitlam library (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - July 9, 2003)
Youth@BC summer Internet classes for 2003 will be launched on July 10 at the Coquitlam Public Library by MLAs Richard Stewart (Coquitlam-Maillardville) and Harry Bloy (Burquitlam). Young people are invited to come by and meet the MLAs and speak with the library's two Internet trainers. Computer class topics will include Internet use, e-mail, Word and Excel. Some classes will also be offered in Cantonese.
Library benefits from Youth@BC (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - July 14, 2003)
Prince Rupert Public Library chief librarian Allan Wilson calls Youth@BC one of the province's most valuable programs as it allows the library to hire local youth and teach them core library values and then apply those ideals in their training sessions and web design work over the summer. The three youth students employed by the library will also be giving two pubic session seminars in July, one on finding quality medical information on the Web, the other about QPLegalEze, an on-line subscription service that provides access to the current laws of British Columbia produced by the Queen's Printer. Youth@BC grants have meant about $12,000 coming into the library per term, a welcome funding source in times when the library has faced many cutbacks.
Youth@BC program allowing younger generation to share web knowledge (Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Aug. 6, 2003)
Branches of the Fraser Valley Regional Library received $40,000 in provincial and federal funding to provide the Youth@BC program in Fraser Valley libraries this summer. Delta South MLA Val Roddick dropped into the Ladner Library on Aug. 2 to have a look at the program in action, which pairs youth trainers with patrons who want to learn more about computer and Internet use. "This is a great example of how our community can come together to bridge the digital divide, something our community office deals with every day," says Roddick. In 2002, 90 young people were employed in 70 communities in the province and taught over 8,500 people.
Computer geniuses in the making (Terrace Standard, Terrace, BC - Aug. 13, 2003)
The Terrace Public Library branch of the Youth@BC program is called Kids Connect and is focussing on teaching students aged seven through 13 to use computer software programs. Doug Adair, a 21-year-old geography student, is making this his fourth term as an instructor in the program, which will run from July 8 to Aug 22, teaching 15 new students a week. Skeena MLA Roger Harris said the exposure to software is key for the students' learning experience.
Contribution supports community libraries and youth employment (Royal City Record, New Westminster, BC - Aug. 13, 2003)
The New Westminster Public Library received a $11,5000 grant from the province to deliver another summer of computer training through the Youth@BC program. Royal City MLA Joyce Murray says of the program, "It is a great initiative - at the same time as helping seniors and others use the Internet, it provides training and experience to young people interested in a technology career. I encourage everyone to visit our library and check out the Youth@BC program."
Youth, community connected (The Leader, Surrey, BC - Aug. 22, 2003)
Two youths have been hired to help library patrons navigate the Web as part of the Youth@BC program. Surrey Public Library received a grant of $11,500 to once again provide the program, which last year taught about 420 Surrey library visitors how to use the Internet. Surrey MLAs Dave Hayer, Kevin Falcon, Brenda Locke and Elayne Brenzinger recently toured the Strawberry Hill Branch to see Youth@BC in action. "This is a great program that gives students valuable work experience with computers and dealing with the public," said Locke, Surrey-Green Timbers MLA.
AROUND THE PROVINCE
From the "Grapevine" column (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - June 20, 2003)
The Rossland Public Library will be hosting a reception on June 25 to honour library board chair Mitchell Bickmore, who was the recipient of the British Columbia Library Trustee Association Super Trustee Award.
Comics draw on Canadian culture (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - June 21, 2003)
Ever since Art Spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize for his comic book, Maus, the art of the comic book (also known as graphic or sequential novels) has never been the same. But that still doesn't mean the art form has reached the mainstream. Richmond Public Library's young adult services librarian Kirsten Andersen is trying to change that by bolstering the library's collection of comic book reading, especially Canadian comics. "Any story that can be told can be told through sequential art," says Andersen.
Author Thomas honoured for body of work (Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC - June 21, 2003)
BC author Audrey Thomas will have her name commemorated on the Walk of Fame outside the Vancouver Public Library as part of the city's Author Appreciation Day. Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell will host the event. Thomas published her first collection of short stories in 1967.
Library briefs (Chetwynd Echo, Chetwynd, BC - June 30, 2003)
The Chetwynd Public Library bids goodbye to three valued library personnel, Junior Clerk Kanaye Manahan, literacy coordinator Marcie Fofonoff and board member Thereasa Ashford. Also the Summer Reading program begins on July 2 for kids aged 0 to 13, and Colin, the library "Internet Guru," is available give instruction on virtually any computer-related topic.
Farewell, Madame Librarian (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - June 30, 2003)
July 27 marked the final day in 25 years of library stewardship at the Cranbrook Public Library for chief librarian Pat Adams. The 52-year-old Adams became the Cranbrook librarian after a trip to the area had her seeking a change of pace from her Winnipeg job as a research archivalist for Atomic Energy of Canada. Once in Cranbrook, Adams was responsible for many initiatives at the library including the installation of the first computer system used in a rural library in the province. Adams says she has also been very fortunate with her staff at the library, many who have been there as long as she has. Adams' post-librarian plans include travelling, building a deck and lots of reading.
Appreciation for library (Free Press, Fernie, BC - July 2, 2003)
On June 16, the former venue for the Fernie Heritage Library (now an eatery) hosted a gathering of library volunteers and staff to salute all their hard work and share memories of the building. Library board chair Darren Harrold thanked volunteers who had saved the library $32,000 by donating their time, and chief librarian Diane Sharp added that the combination of staff, volunteers and board members make quite a team.
Library workers ink deal (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - July 12, 2003)
Unionized Richmond library workers have signed a deal with the city, ratifying the contract with 72 per cent of the membership in favour. The new deal will give workers a 2.5 per cent increase this year and the next two years, and 3 per cent the following year. The deal is in line with contracts signed by other unionized city employees.
Library changes hours (Kimberley Daily Bulletin, Kimberley, BC - July 22, 2003)
A careful review of library services has resulted in a change to the operating hours of the Kimberley Public Library. Beginning Sept. 1, 2003, the library will be closed on Mondays but open an additional hour at 10am Tuesday through Saturday. The library board feels this change will better allow the library to manage limited funds and better serve the needs of the community.
Where do all the books come from? (Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - July 24, 2003)
Whistler Public Library librarian Joan Richoz explains how books are selected and eventually wind up in the hands of library patrons. Books are selected by the popularity of an author, book reviews in library association publications or catalogue descriptions. Most books are now ordered on-line and it takes about seven days for a book to be processed by the library and put on the shelves.
New book boss (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - July 26, 2003)
Rhian Piprell has been named the new deputy chief librarian of the Coquitlam Public Library. Piprell will be responsible for direction and management of the public services delivery for the library's two branches.
Jarman acting librarian (Prince George Citizen, Prince George, BC - July 30, 2003)
The Prince George Public Library board have appointed marketing and development manger Joan Jarman as the acting chief librarian until a new chief takes over the post. The search for a replacement is underway.
Have you listened to any good books lately? (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Aug. 6, 2003)
Barbara Weston of the Coquitlam Public Library gives some background about Public Library InterLINK's audiobook service and reviews a few of the titles available. Aside from purchasing commercially available titles, InterLINK employs narrators to read hard-to-find BC and Canadian works, producing about 50 new audiobooks a year. InterLINK will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the program on Sept. 28 in Vancouver during the Word on the Street festivities.
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