BUILDINGS

Kids asked to help make Bookboat float (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Aug. 23, 2002)
We need input from users and the people who are going to be operating the building. The architects job is to resolve conflicts, not to build a monument to himself. World-renowned architect John Rattenbury made this statement during his recent trip to Prince Rupert in which he began his on-site assessment of possible sites for public librarys Bookboat project. Rattenbury also stressed the importance of input from children, noting that the smallest readers can have the largest imaginations, and he described the project as not only viable but very much needed. The Bookboat is estimated to cost $9 million.

Rattenbury commits to bookboat (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Aug. 26, 2002)
Despite the wet weather, architect John Rattenbury received a royal reception from Prince Rupert citizens and has left the city and returned to Arizona. But before his visit ended he committed himself to help with the Bookboat project. We are going to do this together he said. It is a tremendous idea, entirely feasible and much needed. The library board is now tasked with finding a site for the facility and with providing Rattenbury with the information he needs to begin sketching.

Weighing choices (The Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - Aug. 7, 2002)
Editorial pointing out that while citizens and local council are focussed on the financing and building of a new recreation complex, the need for a new library facility should also be considered.

Library board approves new Enderby branch (The Morning Star, Vernon, BC - Aug. 7, 2002)
Enderby library patrons will have a new facility by the end of the year according to the Okanagan Regional Library. The building will be twice the size of the current cramped 1,800 sq. ft. space and will include room for three Internet terminals and a photocopier. The city of Enderby has agreed to provide $40,000 for shelving, while the local Friends of the Library will fund-raise for other extra amenities.

Arts Council joins library project (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 8, 2002)
Council has approved nearly $80,000 for the addition of office space for the Whistler Community Arts Council to the plans for the new public library/archives project. The total cost of the addition is double that, the remainder of the funds being raised as part of the Library and Museum/Archives Capital Campaign.

Project changes face of library (Gulf Islands Driftwood, Salt Spring Island, BC - Aug. 14, 2002)
Thanks to public library board member David Rainsford and some anonymous volunteers, the library is sporting a new main entrance featuring a garden and small pond.

Renovations complete as library opens (Golden Star, Golden, BC - Sept. 4, 2002)
The newly renovated interior of the Golden library was presented to the public as the library reopened on Sept. 3. The changes include a far better use of space, wheelchair accessible washrooms, more private Internet terminals and an abundance of natural light. Discussions about the redesign of the buildings exterior are now under way.

Talking books Tuesday (The Peace Arch News, White Rock, BC - Sept. 7, 2002)
An open house will be held on Tuesday in which the public can view and ask questions regarding the new Surrey Public Library/RCMP building. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place on Sept. 19. The facility is scheduled to open next fall.

Cranbrook council clears way for library referendum (Cranbrook Daily Townsman, Cranbrook, BC - Sept. 11, 2002)
Cranbrook council has given a third reading to a bylaw that will allow a Nov. referendum on the building of a new library facility. A simple majority of votes in both the city and Area C will pass the referendum. Cost of the $4 million project will be split 80/20 between the city and Area C, respectively.

Trail's regional partners reject funding a library in new complex (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - Sept. 18, 2002)
If Trail wants a new library building, it will have to pay for it without help from its regional partners after the regional services commission said it could not support the $150,000 annual rent that Trail was asking for. Trail rep. Gord DeRosa was stunned by the announcement, saying that the planned Nov. referendum on the $5 million project may not go ahead. Regional representatives noted a stale economy, stagnant population figures and the outcome of a further study as reasons for not approving the plan. Some also questioned whether the plan meant that the areas would be served by a single library in Trail, but DeRosa claims he was never suggesting that.

BUDGETS & FINANCE

Taylor has already cleared up library funding issue (Alaska Highway News, Fort St. John, BC - Aug. 21, 2002)
Two fall referendums are being planned by the Peace River Regional District, one of which will address changes to the funding for regional library services. But the District of Taylor has already given approval to a regional district bylaw to regionalize library service. All the municipalities in the region were asked to give their consent, said Taylor Mayor Fred Jarvis.

Library closes for week (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Aug. 24, 2002)
Due to a budgetary shortfall, the Squamish Public Library will be closed for a week starting Sept. 2. An appeal for donations sent with district tax notices has resulted in over $4,000 being donated to date, the money will ensure the library is open six days a week in 2003.

Library closures called "unavoidable" (The Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - Aug. 30, 2002)
Vancouver city Coun. Lynne Kennedy says the week-long closure (which began Aug. 25, due to a budgetary shortfall of $150,000) of the Vancouver Public Library system was not needed and that the library board did not fully consider all other options. The summer closures have taken place for three of the last five years (year 2000 was saved by a Hollywood film made partially in the VPL central branch), and acting director Eric Smith says that the board now considers these closures a permanent fixture. Smith also says that alternate money-saving ideas such as reducing the book budget or spending less on computer upgrades have all been considered but ultimately rejected in favour of the closures. Coun. Tim Louis says that council receives letters of protest each time the library shuts down.

Greater Vernon braces for library branch cost (The Morning Star, Vernon, BC - Sept. 1, 2002)
The Greater Vernon Services Commission (GVSC) has received a letter from the City of Vernon asking them to consider the budgeting of up to $250,000 to cover costs for new furnishings and shelving in a proposed new library branch. The GVSC has in turn approached Coldstream and two electoral areas in the librarys service area to see if there is any interest in providing the funding. In a separate letter to the District of Coldstream from Okanagan Regional Library officials, participants were urged to begin budget planning now. I would recommend [the various regions involved] begin discussions about who will assist Vernon with the furnishings, and how much [they] will need to contribute, said financial manager Don Nettleton. The branch is slated for construction in 2005.

Library may cost you an extra $1 (Okanagan Sunday, Kelowna, BC - Sept. 22, 2002)
A projected four per cent increase in spending by the Okanagan Regional Library in its 2002/03 budget would mean an extra $1 charge to homeowners for library service. The roughly extra $400,000 collected would be used to cover inflation costs, increase the librarys collection, go toward expanding branch libraries and planning. A recent survey showed that 77 per cent of respondents would be willing to pay an extra $1 in taxes if it would improve library service. The final vote on the budget takes place during the library boards Nov. meeting.

DONATIONS & FUNDRAISING

Library book sale nets $1,455 (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 8, 2002)
Whistler librarian Joan Richoz would like to thank the volunteers, businesses and buyers who made the recent book sale a success. The money raised will go back into collection purchases.

Community spirit (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 15, 2002)
The Whistler Valley Quilters Guild has donated $1,000 to the Whistler Public Library and $500 to the Pemberton Public Library. Both donations came from money collected at a raffle during the recent Quilt Show.

Book lovers flock to the library's big yellow tent (Undercurrent, Bowen Island, BC - Aug. 23, 2002)
The Friends of the Librarys popular book sale under the big yellow tent netted nearly $3,400 for the Bowen Island Public Library.

Book sale (Lake District News, Burns Lake, BC - Aug. 28, 2002)
The Burns Lake Public Librarys annual week-long book sale collected over $1,000 for the library.

Quadra resident donates to library branch (Campbell River Mirror, Campbell River, BC - Sept. 4, 2002)
Quadra Island resident Richard Hartford has donated $400 to the Quadra Island branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library (VIRL), and encourages others to make donations to their favourite community causes. Information about tax-deductible donations to the library can be found on the VIRLs website at www.virl.bc.ca. Hartfords donation allowed the library to improve its mystery book collection.

Reading leisure (Merritt Herald, Merritt, BC - Sept. 11, 2002)
Photo with caption: patrons lounge in the librarys new leopard-print furniture, purchased with a $1,600 donation from the Rotary Club. A six-person CD listening station was also added with the funds.

TECHNOLOGY

Gates lab comes to town (Houston Today, Houston, BC - Aug. 7, 2002)
The Houston Public Library temporarily doubled its computer access numbers when the Gates Mobile Computer Lab hit town. The set-up, which includes six public use computer terminals was at the library from July 25 to Aug. 1. The librarys Youth@BC student, Rebecca Tait, said the lab was full every day, being used by both kids and adults. After its stay in Houston, the lab was sent on to Smithers. Use of the lab is made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Surfing the net one-on-one (Lakes District News, Burns Lake, BC - Aug. 14, 2002)
Thanks to the provincial Youth@BC Program, student Brendan Mackas is providing free one-on-one Internet instruction through Aug. 23 at the Burns Lake Public Library. Anyone interested can call Mackas at the library to set up a session time.

From the "Community" page (Squamish Chief, Squamish, BC - Aug. 31, 2002)
Since Internet tutoring started at the Squamish Public Library in 1997, over 1,000 people have taken advantage of the service and the library has employed 15 local young people to provide instruction for the provincially-funded program.

Internet homework help at Pitt library (The Maple Ridge News, Maple Ridge, BC - Aug. 31, 2002)
Each Saturday in Sept. at the Pitt meadows Library, kids aged six to 12 receive personal instruction on how the Internet can help them with their homework. The 30-minute sessions will show participants how to access help sites, fun gaming sites and offer general interest training. Sessions are personalized for each child.

Database will assist investors (The Leader, Surrey, BC - Aug. 28, 2002)
Two new Internet-based databases (FISonline and Equity Portraits) purchased by the Surrey Public Library will assist patrons in getting information about companies before investing in the stock market.

Library/Internet connection pays off (The Prince George Citizen, Prince George, BC - Aug. 30, 2002)
Prince George Public Library chief librarian Edel Toner-Rogala has been appointed the chair of a national task force created to advise the federal government about the importance of libraries in Canadian communities. The key to the success of communities, according to Toner-Rogala, is efficient Internet and e-mail connections. The task force is made up of members of the public, academics and specialized library staff. It is part of Canadas Innovation Strategy, which hopes to better position Canada in the global economy. Toner-Rogala is also acting as a voice for rural and remote communities, whose access to the WorldWide Web is often compromised, and how libraries can play an important role in Internet access. Canadas libraries are true pillars of this nations quality of life infrastructure, said Toner-Rogala.

Library picks automation system (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Sept. 12, 2002)
After examining computer systems at neighbouring libraries and making a laundry list of must-have features, the Whistler Public Library has chosen Epixtechs Horizon Sunrise system to serve the new library building. A popular choice with fellow InterLINK member libraries, the system will provide patrons with extensive catalogue access, account status information and the ability to place their own book reserves. Construction of the $5 million facility is expected to start next spring.

AUTHOR READINGS

Children's author visits library (Bridge River-Lillooet News, Lillooet, BC - Aug. 21, 2002)
Lac La Hache childrens author Bonita Forsyth stopped by the Lillooet Library to read from and talk about her newest book, Huckleberry Hollow Alphabet Book. The reading was part of the librarys Summer Reading Club and was sponsored by the Public Library Services Branchs Writers in Libraries Program.

Surf's up (North Shore News, North Vancouver, BC - Aug. 25, 2002)
Photo with caption - Author Richard Taylor recently spoke at the North Vancouver City Library about the personal experiences that make up his book House Inside the Waves.

Family's 2000-year history detailed in book (Penticton Western News, Penticton, BC - Aug. 27, 2002)
Cas van Eysinga, author of The History of the Roorda Van Eysinga and Roorda Family and the head of one of the oldest Frisian-Scandanavian noble families, will be coming to the Oliver branch of the Okanagan Regional Library on Sept. 10 to discuss his familys 2,000-year old history. Eysinga took three and a half years to research and write the book, and he credits (literally) the library branch with assisting him in his research.

From "entertainment briefs" (The Vancouver Courier, Vancouver, BC - Aug. 30, 2002)
Environmental activist, civil rights advocate, American expatriate and ex-con Betty Krawcyzk will be discussing her book Lock Me Up or Let Me Go: The Protests, Arrest and Trial of an Environmental Activist at the Vancouver Public Library on Sept. 24. The event is part of the librarys Necessary Voices series.

Crime writer to read at Rossland library (Trail Daily Times, Trail, BC - Sept. 3, 2002)
The Rossland Public Library will be hosting award-winning crime writer Laurence Gough on Sept. 10. Goughs visit is made possible through a Writers in Libraries grant.

Poet headlines speakers (The Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - Sept. 11, 2002)
Powell River poet Allan Brown will be launching his 15th book, a collection of poems entitled Imagines, on Sept. 14 at the Nanaimo Public Library. Brown is the featured reader at the Speaking in Chalks event.

Author visit (Creston Valley Advance, Creston, BC - Sept. 19, 2002)
Author Ben Gadd will read from his new novel, Ravens End, at the Creston Public Library on Sept. 24.

CHILDRENS CORNER

Meet the illustrator (News Leader, Burnaby, BC - Aug. 7, 2002)
Rose Cowles, creator of the artwork for the 2002 Summer Reading Club, will be at the Burnaby Public Library to discuss her work and offer hands-on activities.

Kids can winner dinner with an author (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Aug. 11, 2002)
Richmond Public Librarys Summer Reading Club members ages 9 - 12 have the opportunity to enter a draw to win dinner with popular Vancouver author David Ward. Three lucky winners will be able to chat with Ward and a local librarian at a family restaurant. Sponsored by the library and CUPE Local 3966.

Children get to play out kokanee salmon life cycle (The Calendar, Winfield, BC - Aug. 12, 2002)
As part of the Okanagan Regional Librarys summer reading program, children participated in a fun activity that allowed them to learn about and experience the life cycle of the kokanee salmon. The role-playing exercise was organized and hosted by Tracey Gow, the City of Kelownas water shed co-ordinator.

Books, a common bond (The Prince George Free Press, Prince George, BC - Aug. 15, 2002)
Twice a week the Bob Harkins Branch of the Prince George Public Library offers kids and seniors a chance to share their bond of reading as part of the summer reading program. Children are matched up with a volunteer grandma or grandpa and snuggle down to enjoy some quality reading time. The experience can also offer busy parents a breather while their kids are otherwise engaged.

All in the spirit of reading and giving (The Valley Echo, Invermere, BC - Sept. 4, 2002)
At the wind-up party for this years summer reading program, Invermere Public Library librarian Liz Robinson wanted to thank local business and organizations whose spirit of giving made the program possible. Because the summer reading program lost its usual funding source (Human Resources and Development Canada), the library had to look to the community for assistance.

Library offers free after-school tutoring (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Sept. 8, 2002)
Due to the success of the program last year, the Richmond Public Library will again be offering free after-school tutoring for children between Grades 1 and 6 this fall. Teen tutors will give one-hour one-on-one sessions every Thursday from Sept. 19 to Nov. 7. Space is limited and registration is required. Help is also available for French Immersions students and children whose mother tongue is not English.

Library to host Kids Day International Sept. 21 (Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, BC - Sept. 12, 2002)
The Dawson Creek Municipal Library will be the event site for this years Kids Day International. This is the second year for the event that teaches kids about health and wellness issues. Kids International was started eight years ago by two New Jersey chiropractors and now is held as far away as Australia.

Scary contest (Tri-City News, Port Coquitlam, BC - Sept. 18, 2002)
The annual Coquitlam Public Librarys Teen Scary Story Writing Contest is now accepting submissions. Teens between the ages of 11 and 18 can enter a self-penned scary story of less than 500 words that must contain the following five items: a bookmark, Maillardville, eye-glasses, a cel phone and a sweater. Winning entries will receive cash prizes and have their work published in the paper.

Picture Book Club for Adults (The Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Sept. 21, 2002)
The South Delta Library offers a program which helps parents select good picture books for children. The Picture Book Club for Adults has its first meeting on Sept. 25 and features a guest speaker talking about what makes a good picture book. The program is for adults only.

Reaping reading awards (Burnaby Now, Burnaby, BC - Sept. 22, 2002)
Now in its 10th year as a provincial program, the Summer Reading Club is as popular as ever at the Burnaby Public Library. This year over 6,000 kids registered for the program, some even visitors from as far away as India, China and Sweden. Children who reached a goal of reading at least 15 minutes each day over the summer were rewarded with medals of achievement. So far the library has handed out over 2,500 medals. The mark of 15 minutes was not chosen by accident says head of childrens services Joyce Pinsker, who notes that it was both a doable time and a period of success supported by research showing kids were helped by this level of activity more than summer school or a private tutor.

Some additional summer reading program numbers:

Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) - Kelowna Branch - 1,217 children registered, the most ever recorded in the library systems history; estimated 15,000 books read
ORL - Armstrong Branch - over 100 children registered; an average of 41 attended activities and library readings.
Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) - Hope Branch - over 130 kids registered
Cranbrook Public Library - over 370 children joined the SRC
ORL - Summerland Branch - 186 children signed up; an average of 100 kids participated in weekly programs.
ORL - Princeton Branch - over 50 children registered.
FVRL - Agassiz Branch - more than 160 SRC members
Whistler Public Library - approx. 150 joined the SRC; more than 450 children attended summer programs; over 4,500 childrens items were borrowed during the summer.
Creston Public Library - 78 children joined SRC.
Cariboo Regional District Library - Quesnel Branch - 173 children registered.
Bowen Island Public Library - 55 young readers participated.
Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) - Port Alberni Branch - over 200 participants completed approx. 3,500 books; medals were awarded to the 57 top readers.
Richmond Public Library - more than 4,700 children participated.
VIRL - Sooke Branch - 101 kids aged six and up joined the SRC, plus 43 pre-schoolers; the top 30 readers were awarded certificates and medals.
VIRL - Courtenay Branch - 349 children signed up; 54 received medals
West Vancouver Memorial Library - 1,027 children participated.
New Westminster Public Library - more than 1,100 kids took part, pushing the librarys circulation to a new July record.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

City threatens library (The Chilliwack Progress, Chilliwack, BC - Aug. 6, 2002)
Chilliwack mayor Clint Hames warns that if the Fraser Valley Regional Library's (FVRL) unionized workers cannot provide enough flexibility in regards to hours of operation and staffing, perhaps the city would be better off going it alone when providing library service. But a spokesperson for CUPE Local 1698 says that the mayor is just making threats, adding that leaving the FVRL would deplete the librarys borrowing ability. The major issue on the table that continues to leave the library workers' contract unresolved is Sunday operating hours. The union rep also remarked that similar talk from Abbotsford mayor George Ferguson is a move against the union and an attempt to take labour relations back to the 19th century.

Independence could prove costly (Langley Times, Langley, BC - Aug. 9, 2002)
If two of the FVRLs largest member municipalities, Chilliwack and Abbotsford, leave the library system, they should be prepared to charge taxpayers more for library service. At least thats what statistics compiled by the Council of Administrators of Large Urban Public Libraries show. Vancouver-ites pay more than double what FVRL users pay for library service, while Richmond, Coquitlam and Greater Victoria also pay substantially more. FVRL chief administrator Jean Dirksen cautions that the comparisons are not exactly apples-to-apples, but in general, municipalities who go it alone do pay more.

No progress in library negotiations (Coquitlam Now, Coquitlam, BC - Aug. 10, 2002)
Talks between CUPE library workers and the FVRL have again stalled, leaving the possibility of Sunday openings up in the air and a number of municipalities threatening to leave the library system. The main bone of contention in the dispute remains the details surrounding opening on Sundays. Five of the 15 FVRL branches currently have limited Sunday operating hours.

On-line Question of the Week results (Agassiz Harrison Observer, Agassiz, BC - Aug. 13, 2002)
Do you think the Agassiz Public Library should be open on Sundays? Yes: 70 per cent; No: 30 per cent.

Library workers say they won't walk off the job (The Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Aug. 17, 2002)
Despite being without a contract for 18 months, CUPE president Marina Kristjanson says FVRLs 300 unionized workers will not walk off the job. FVRL board chair Michael Wright has called for the union to come back to the table, but the union says they are the ones who made the last offer, so its up to the library to make the next move. The two sides remain deadlocked over the issue of Sunday openings, with the union calling for special circumstances when is comes to staffing that day, while the library wants the day treated just like any other of the week.

Library fan support firm (The Peach Arch News, White Rock, BC - Sept. 7, 2002)
A June survey shows that 93 per cent of the respondents would remain faithful to the White Rock Branch of the FVRL, even after Surrey builds a new library facility just blocks away. The future of the White Rock branch as been in doubt ever since Surrey announced its plans, but some of those surveyed criticized Surreys decision, while others claimed they would not want to tackle the new locations traffic problems. But even if patrons remain true, White Rock is also looking at the possibility of Chilliwack and Abbotsford leaving the FVRL, which would mean that members like White Rock could pay more to support the system. Municipal staff are looking at options such as joining Surrey or going it alone, although studies have shown that option to potentially be more costly.

Invermere Public Library a happening place to be (The Valley Echo, Invermere, BC - Aug. 7, 2002)
Library staff and board are anxiously awaiting word about how the library placed in the 2002 Canada Post Literacy Awards, after they were notified of being a finalist last month. The honour came from a letter Carol Stanford wrote about the library and was one of 266 institutions and individuals nominated from across Canada. The winners will be announced in mid-August.

Library will mark anniversary with history book (The Kimberley Daily Bulletin, Kimberley, BC - Aug. 15, 2002)
The Kimberley Public Library has decided to commemorate its 75th anniversary with the publishing of a book about the librarys history. Out of financial necessity, the book will be small and cost around $5, with about 1,000 copies printed. Librarian Bev Varty says that the number may seem like a lot, but she thinks the fact that many residents will be mentioned in the history will create interest. Part of the cost of the publication is made possible by a $2,000 loan from the city. Varty hopes to have the book ready before the end of the year.

Senseless acts of behaviour cost Burns Lake (Lake District News, Burns Lake, BC - Aug. 21, 2002)
A spate of recent vandalism in Burns Lake has amounted to over $10,000 in total damage, including a smashed window at the Burns Lake Public Library costing $1,100 in repairs.

Librarian hopes to spread word (Goldstream News Gazette, Victoria, BC - Aug. 24, 2002)
Penny Watson, the new head librarian at the Juan de Fuca Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), says her biggest challenge will be getting the word out the library and the new programs we have. Watson was previously the librarian at the Emil Carr Branch of the GVPL, and takes over from Susan Henderson who has moved on to be the GVPLs marketing and communications manager. Watson also says she plans to network with local agencies and services to get an idea of what the communitys vision is for the library.

Library wins literacy award (Richmond News, Richmond, BC - Aug. 29, 2002)
The Richmond Public Library has won the B.C. prize for community leadership in the 2002 Canada Post Literacy Awards. Shelley Civkin, head of readers advisory at the library, says that the librarys programs go beyond just reading and writing, and that is how literacy should be viewed. Forty-five individuals and organizations across Canada were honoured for their work.

We've come a long way (The Whistler Question, Whistler, BC - Aug. 29, 2002)
Article by Whistler librarian John Richoz giving an overview of the librarys history, staff, collections, programs and fundraising activities. The library is celebrating 16 years of service with a party on Aug. 31.

Library's Philosopher's Cafe offers chance to debate timely issues (The Delta Optimist, Delta, BC - Aug. 31, 2002)
A new program at the Ladner branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library gives patrons an opportunity to discuss timely issues at the Librarys Philosopher's Cafe. Held on the third Friday of Sept. and Oct., the sessions speak to specific topics (Advertising and Privacy, respectively) and are moderated by former teacher Gail Bell Neff. There is no charge for participating.

Recorded books are made for learners (The Record, Burnaby, BC - Sept. 1, 2002)
Article on recorded materials available at the New Westminster Public Library to assist literacy and English language students, including audiobooks recorded at a slightly slower speed, and the matching book series which pairs the recorded version with the print item. The latter is available in both adult and childrens selections.

Running down the rules (Nelson Daily News, Nelson, BC - Sept. 3, 2002)
Nelson Municipal Library's chief librarian Deb Thomas explains some of the librarys operating rules regarding loan periods and material restrictions, fines, the Borrower Card, e-mail computer charges and non-resident fees.

Warren books into library branch (Sooke News Mirror, Sooke, BC - Sept. 4, 2002)
Stephen Warren has taken over as the full-time librarian at the Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). His posting is part of the VIRLs move to local librarians working at branch libraries. Previous librarian Dave Dreidger (who worked part-time at Sooke and the rest of the time at the Mill Bay branch) will now work solely out of Mill Bay. Warren has previously been with the Comox branch, where he was also responsible for a few surrounding communities, and says he is looking forward to focussing on a single branch.

Reading to seniors offers unique rewards (Oak Bay News, Victoria, BC - Sept. 4, 2002)]
Profile of the Greater Victoria Public Librarys Reading to Seniors Program, which puts volunteer readers in touch with seniors unable to read for themselves. Readers can offer their services to individuals or small groups, with material ranging from novels to a Joke of the Day off the Internet. Session times are geared to the audience but generally last one hour. Readers usually travel to the listener.

Library kicking off two reading clubs (The Prince George Citizen, Prince George, BC - Sept. 6, 2002)
The Prince George Public Library is starting two new book clubs. The first is the Book Salon, an on-site club that meets at the Bob Harkins Branch the first Wednesday of every month. The second is an on-line club called Open Book. It is open to anyone with Internet access and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Novel ideas from the library (Osoyoos Times, Osoyoos, BC - Sept. 11, 2002)
Beginning in the fall, the Osoyoos Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, working with the Friends of the Library, will be offering the Library to your Door program. The program will assist readers who are unable to make the trip to the library by having volunteers deliver and pick up at the patrons residence. The volunteers must first undergo a criminal records check, and then be given some training in book selection and processing procedures. The Friends of the Library will be holding a book sale in Sept. to help off-set the cost of the program.

Voters reject leaving VIRL (Sooke Mirror News, Sooke, BC - Sept. 11, 2002)
A Sept. 7 referendum deciding whether Juan de Fuca electoral area libraries would leave the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) in favour of the Greater Victoria Public Library system has been adamantly defeated, with 74 per cent of the 587 votes cast opting to remain with the VIRL. Capital Regional District director Brian Henson called for the vote because he felt that taxpayers could get a better deal if they were part of the GVPL. But East Sooke voters (the area that would have benefited most from the change) tallied only 177 voters in what chief electoral officer Tom Moore called not a very good turnout. VIRL board member Peter Wainright said he was pleased with the results, calling it a pretty strong no. He also added that the VIRL would not consider any funding changes in how Juan de Fuca pays for library service. Henson called Sooke voters short-sighted for not considering the switch.

Business intelligence made easy at the Vancouver Public Library (Sounding Board Magazine, Vancouver, BC - Sept. 15, 2002)
Chair of the Vancouver Public Library, Blair Qualey, reports on resources available to business people at the library, including the librarys web site, many free resources located in the librarys various divisions, plus the fee-based InfoAction service.

Library staff weeding out books, periodicals, CDs and videos (Kelowna Capital News, Kelowna, BC - Sept. 13, 2002)
Article by area librarian Linda Burke on the process and reasons for regular collection weeding.

Get caught reading by the library's roving book patrol (The Record, Burnaby, BC - Sept. 15, 2002)
Get Caught Reading by the Library Book Patrol and you could win a prize from the New Westminster Public Library. The national Get Caught Reading campaign is sponsored by the Canadian Publishers Council as a way to promote reading as a fun, everyday activity. Best places to get caught include shopping malls, bus stops and park benches.

"Media Watchdog" column (Westender, Vancouver, BC - Sept.19, 2002)
Article supplied by the BC Chapter of the Campaign for Press and Broadcast Freedom: The British Columbia Library Association Information Policy Committee will be sponsoring a conference on Sept. 26 and 27 called Consider the Alternatives: Information Access in Times of Crisis. The conference will examine how libraries can play a role in ensuring the minority voices of the alternative media are heard in a world where so much of the mainstream media is owned by a few gigantic corporations. The conference will take place at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library.

Readers chose top titles (The Powell River Peak, Powell River, BC - Sept. 18, 2002)
Taking a cue from the CBCs recent Canada Reads project, The Powell River and District Public Library selected 26 books to compete in the River City Reads initiative, which asked readers to chose a title they felt most represented life in BC. The two winning entries were David Gutersons Snow Falling On Cedars and L. R. Wrights Sleep While I Sing.

Airport library still soaring (Daily News, Prince Rupert, BC - Sept. 19, 2002)
The Prince Rupert Public Library has been recognized by the federal government with an Industry Canada LibraryNet Best Practices Award for its library kiosk located at the airport. Travellers have access to around 300 books while waiting for their flights. Nineteen public libraries around the country were recognized.

Library goes for green, sets good example (Prince George This Week, Prince George, BC - Sept. 22, 2002)
As part of an office greening program, the staff at the Prince George Public Library have begun a recycling program in their workplace. Greening our office space is an important part of community stewardship, says chief librarian Edel Toner-Rogala. We will always be looking for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

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