October 11 2023 Board Meeting Minutes

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



October 11, 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RB), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Kate Lyon (KL), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian), Mercedes Taylor (MT-Deputy Librarian)

Regrets: Teri Forster (TF)

Meeting commenced at 7:01 pm.

• Traditional territorial acknowledgement by BT
• Motion to accept Consent Agenda as presented, moved by RoB, seconded by TP, passed.
• Truth and Reconciliation discussion
• Board heard about the Library's newest collection, the Lisa Doolan Latimer Collection by MT.
• Board heard that the Wap Liistx external signage is getting good responses from the public.
• Trustees will explore what Library fundraising opportunities are available for trustees
• KL informed the Board about the upcoming totem pole raising happening at the Port Edward turnoff to Highway 16 on Saturday October 31, the Library will be informing our patrons about this.
• MT carried on about PRL's collection development policies and procedures
• we discussed how MT and JZ were reviewing our present book challenge policy and form.
• we discussed the present Library-negative DRM (Digital Rights Management) policies by publishers and the high costs to Libraries in BC and throughout Canada.
• Discussion Agenda items
• JZ advised Board about probable rise in WorkSafeBC insurance costs in 2024 or 2025. Cost will probably rise to $1500 per year.
• JZ raised the increasing number of requests the Library receives re: cell phone usage and/or laptop interviews in the library and the increase of patrons requesting quiet, private places to do such activities. Options to be looked into include use of MultiPurpose room, North West History room or even small 'phone-booths' with sound-dampening capacity. JZ will start investigation process.
• JZ will communicate with City Corporate Adminstrator to thank her for her presentation to the Library Board and ask whether the process to appoint new Library trustees has begun.
• The in-camera meeting did not occur, there was discussion about whether an in-camera meeting was needed. There was a motion to defer the matter until the November Board meeting, motion by BT, seconded by TP, passed.
• Open Forum
• KL informed us that October is Dyslexia Awareness month. MT will investigate what new resources are available for us to purchase.
• The trustees and Library management have been informed about a new Executive Director at the Museum of Northern BC. JZ will make contact to introduce her to the Library.
• Matters under Consideration
• BT will ask the school's health nurse about who the Library can speak with about getting assistance from Northern Health for mental health help.
• Discussion about technology and it's placement in the Library. JZ and MT will start a survey for parents re: technology in the Library for Children.

Motion to adjourn meeting by TP at 8:14 pm.

Next Meeting at 7pm Nov. 8, 2023.