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ORL Board Meeting | September 2019

by ORL Marketing | Sep 19, 2019

Press Release

September 18, 2019

For Immediate Release

At the September 18 meeting of the Okanagan Regional Library Board of Trustees, the Board:

Was presented with a draft budget proposed by the Finance Committee. The Board was told that the proposed average per capita increase would be 18 cents. The Board will vote on the final budget at their November meeting.

Approved a policy on the political use of library space. This policy will give guidance to staff and the public, particularly during election periods on how library space may be used.

Approved a pilot project for a new type of library membership card where patrons will be able to register online and receive access to electronic resources as well as take out a limited number of items and place some holds with a 6-month term to convert the membership to a full ORL membership.

Directed the policy and planning committee to gather input and develop a policy to bring back to the Board for the future direction of children's programming.

Was notified that ORL's Youth Collections / System Librarian, Linda Youmans, B.A. (Psych.), M.L.S. received the 2019 Community Leader of the Year award particularly for her work in developing resource lists for those with disabilities.

Received encouraging news that the City of Revelstoke had approved the concept of adding onto the current library for RevLab, which had an estimated construction cost of up to $170,000, and would contribute $50,000 towards this. This adds onto the money [up to $51,000] contributed by the Columbia Basin Trust and the money from the community being raised through the ORL fundraising campaign. The Board approved additional funding and directed staff to move forward with planning and constructing of the new space. RevLab is a small technology lab that will help library members in Revelstoke to gain skills and be introduced to new technology.

Received an update on the CULC (Canadian Urban Libraries Council) efforts to get support from all candidates of every party running in the federal election to remove the current challenges to libraries being able to get access to and the cost of electronic resources [eBooks, eAudiobooks]. The Board approved contacting each candidate in ORL's ridings asking for their commitment and support.

Was shown pictures of the new Tech Space in the Golden Library and was invited to the public Grand Opening planned for Saturday, October 19.

Received an update about the new Kelowna Maker Space that opened with money raised from the community for the revitalization project. Kelowna Maker space is currently staffed to be open Wednesday nights and Saturdays. It is also available for booking at other times by patrons who are certified to use the technology in the space. Additional branch improvements and equipment will happen over the next months as additional funds get raised.

Will appoint members to a strategic planning committee to initiate planning for a new strategic plan which will be happening over the next six months.

About the ORL

Established in 1936, the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) is the 16th largest library system in Canada, serving over 370,000 residents through 29 branches. It covers 59,600 square kilometres of some of the most beautiful territories in BC, stretching from Golden in the Rockies to Osoyoos in the heart of the Okanagan wine and fruit growing areas. The system is staffed by energetic and committed people who have begun the shift to a more learning and technology-focused service.