About the Library

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting


May 8, 2024

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF), , Kate Lyon (KL), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Tiffany Prystay (TP)

Meeting Minutes by JZ.

Meeting commenced at 7:05 pm.

Chairperson: BT

• Traditional Territorial Acknowledgement by BT
• Motion to accept the Consent Agenda moved by RiB, seconded by BT, Passed.
• Truth and Reconciliation Conversation:
• JZ detailed his attendance (along with Lou Allison and her spouse) at a Stone moving feast
  for deceased Library employee Lisa (Doolan) Latimer at Gingolx (Kincolith) BC on May 4,
  2024.
  
  The hosts recognized the importance of the Library to Lisa, her family and their community. As well they gifted the Library with a unique handmade doll in Laxgibuu (wolf clan) regalia and a $1000 donation to the Library. We were honoured to be part of this experience.
• Focus on Strategic Plan, Goal: Establishing Community Partnerships
• We been supporting/promoting both BC Transit and Bus the North operations through both
  hosting an information table here at the Library and by posts on our social media
• We shared an Author (Robin Stevenson) readings/workshop at both CHSS and here at the
  Library. Both events were successful.
• We're continuing our involvement in the City's Accessibility program.
• BT reminded everyone of the importance of our Federation work, that is the NWLF (North
  West Library Federation).
• Discussion Agenda
• Re: moving Board meeting dates, a motion by RoB was proposed:
• In order to ensure that the trustees receive all pertinent information for their meetings, it is
  desired that all meeting materials be received by trustees 1 week prior to the meeting dates. This
  will mean that the Monthly meeting date be moved from the second Wednesday of the month to
  the third Wednesday of the month. As well a change in the policy manual (Section 1.3.5) is
  needed. The change being that the text in Section 1.3.5. "...at least three days before the meeting time." is changed to"...at least 1 week before the meeting time."
  
  Motion seconded by RiB, Passed.
• JZ detailed the BC Co-op security breach to the Board. RoB thought that the Co-op should
  make a greater effort in notifying patrons, even if if it is difficult because our users,
  specifically our more intensive users trust the Library and it's notifications and are less
  likely to be suspicious of 'fake' library requests for money. JZ will communicate with the
  BC Co-op and report to the Board what response was received.
• Board discussion re: restarting the City Relationship committee with a focus on trustee
  recruitment. TF is looking for sharper definitions of what the Board wants re: trustee
  recruitment. TF has found out that City has sent out acceptances to two possible trustees
  but has not heard back from them yet. KL notes that the Board is looking for diverse
  individuals and wants Board to focus on ways to attract these individuals, she wonders what
  new ways of recruting can we try? KL wants the public to better understand what Library
  trustees do, and how to make it appealing. TF recommends that trustees do a writeup or
  video for social media to inform the public. BT will start an email thread to further
  discussion and action among trustees regarding this matter.
• Trustees discussed further possible actions related to First Nations seasonal activities the
  Library could act upon. RiB suggested the Library expand the calendar of seasonal beyond
  First Nations to include other cultures.
• Open Forum
• TF talked about the recent Seed Exchange event at the Library and wished the Board to
  know that it was successful and that Lou Allison's contribution was much appreciated.
• TF informed the Board of a complaint about the Library's professionalism. A father of a
  Page applicant was upset that his daughter did not receive a notification that she didn't get
  the job. JZ informed the Board that the recent job posting of Library Page stated "Only
  those individuals short-listed will be contacted" and this applicant was not interviewed. JZ
  understood that this was common practise in hiring situations. Further discussion occurred
  and it was suggested that the Library post a notice with something like "Position filled" on
  our website and social media. JZ stated that he would communicate with the applicant's
  father with this information.
• Motion to adjourn by RiB, seconded by TF, at 8:30pm, Passed.

Next Meeting June 19, 2024 at 7pm.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting


March 13, 2024

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

Regrets: Teri Forster (TF)


Meeting commenced at 7:05 pm.

Chairperson: BT

Minutes taken by JZ, Chief Librarian and Secretary of the Library Board.

Traditional territorial acknowledgement: BT

• Discussion about Consent Agenda items
• RoB wondered if the annual Book Sale funds were included in the February Financial Summary report as the GL line looked too low. JZ checked the February Financial Detailed report and found the book sale funds there . There was an error in the summary report and was corrected to represent the correct Book sale amount. The annual sale itself raised $1366.
• Discussion about possible move of Library Board meetings to the third Wednesday of the month rather than the second Wednesday in order to have time for JZ to send the Board the monthly circulation statistics and financial statistics one week before the regular Board meeting.
• Motion to accept the Consent agenda by BT, seconded by CdR, passed.
• Truth and Reconciliation Conversation:
• discussion about recent Prince Rupert public school events surrounding "Oolichan moon", a book by two authors/illustrators from Prince Rupert, as well as a Oolichan tasting at the school
• Discussion about how trustees help the Board have indigenous representation. Trustees want to help City/Library obtain this goal while respecting the City's process of trustee appointment.
• Discussion about actions to reduce risk to digital resources.
• We spoke about the migration of the Library website to a commercial/non-profit website host such as BC Co-op or other options. Consider the same options for our two (soon to be three) digital repositories
• With regards to our website, the Board wishes to develop a web-based event calendar that is publicly accessible.
• We will also look into a vendor for Office software solutions (Microsoft or Google) for options for staff computers./li>
• We will still need one/some servers (i.e. hardware[computers, routers,wiring]) for networking, self-check computer(s) as well as staff computer/devices support so there will still be a need for technical staff.
• As well we'll be working on what the next generation of patron computing technology we'll provide (and therefore maintain)
• All Library Board minutes are being maintained with off-site backup hard-drives.
• Next Meeting's Discussion agenda item
• The Board would like to restart the City Relationship Committee with a focus on trustee recruitment.
• Trustees will bring forward possible actions that relate to local First Nations' seasonal activities that the Library could act upon.
• Discussion about possible move of Library Board meetings to the third Wednesday of the month from the second Wednesday.
• Motion to adjourn at 8:40, by CdR, seconded by Rob, passed.

Next Meeting at 7pm (May 8, 2024).

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting


February 21, 2024

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Kate Lyon (KL), Tiffany Prystay (TP)


Meeting commenced at 7:02 pm.

Chairperson: CdR

Minutes taken by JZ, Chief Librarian and Secretary of the Library Board.

Traditional territorial acknowledgement: CdR

• Discussion about Consent Agenda items
• A possibly confusing line in the In Camera portion of the Jan.10 PRL Board meeting:
  The line is: "I confirmed that this was an error"
  It should be: "JZ confirmed that this was an error"
  This has now been corrected in the Jan. 10, 2024 Meeting minutes
• Discussion about Financial Report. There were a few specific questions that JZ has answered in a separate note to trustees.
• Motion to accept Discussion Agenda, with the above answers to RoB's questions, made by BT, seconded by RiB, passed.
• Truth and Reconciliation, JZ used the Strategic Plan goal of Continuing Collection
  Development. Specifically two matters:
• The first is that we will soon be receiving the William Duncan Correspondence fonds from Library Archives Canada. This digital collection of the entire correspondence of William Duncan of Metlakatla BC and New Metlakatla AK will be a helpful resource for residents of both Metlakatlas, and researchers. As well as a possible focus to advance relations between South East Alaska and North Coast BC.
• Secondly, we have just completed our Annual Book Sale during the 64th All Native Basketball tournament and we welcomed players and fans to the Library and Book Sale with our sign:
  Hats'anaasm ANBT 2024 Players & Fans
• Continuing with the Strategic goal of Continuing Collection Development JZ detailed 4 other new resources for patrons.
• We have (with much help from the BC Coop) a new subscription to Linked-In Learning, an educational video resource.
• We (along with other North West Library Federation libraries) will be participating in a "Community Science Backpack kits" from the BC Parks Foundation. This could help people get active in citizen-science research. This is a similar idea to our Cognitive kits, but with a focus on exploring science in nature.
• We have started a new Collections section. The Board games collection, we're starting with a $1000 funding and will add to it as we go further and adjust funding as is appropriate.
• An unpleasant Collection Development experience just happened to us. We inadvertently purchased what we believe to be 2 AI (Artificial Intelligence) books from Amazon. While we don't know for sure they were created by AI (i.e. it could be a case of human self-published plagiarism) it gives us the opportunity to review our collection development policies and learn how we made the mistake. Fortunately, we are able to return the books and obtain refunds. It's an issue that will probably increase as we go forward.
• Topics from Discussion Agenda
• RiB mentioned a possible idea/event for the Library. We could host a Notary Public here in the Library and that person could perform notary duties for people who could not otherwise afford it. Discussion about this followed, from helpful idea to concerns about 'a professional do working pro bono' at the Library. We will consider the matter in the future.
• Another idea similar to this was offered by CdR, perhaps we could have other professionals talking about their professions, eg. a paramedic event in McBride BC.
• To help trustees be prepared to make financial decisions. The motion is:
  If the Chief Librarian is requesting a finance motion that needs Board approval, the Chief Librarian will provide a briefing notes ahead of the meeting with the pertinent information.
  Motion made by TF and seconded by RoB, passed.
  The motion was to include all motions being brought to the board by the Chief Librarian would require a written report ahead of time. TF
• Discussion about moving the 2023 Library Enhancement grant to a reserve fund in order to ensure it's availability to the Library in 2024 and 2025. Our library's share of the province-wide $45 million grant is $270000. The intention of this grant was to enhance each Library's collection, programs and services, and provided significant leeway in how Libraries could use this money. The recommendation for use the reserve fund method was from the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs as well as the Prince Rupert Municipal Accounting department.
• The discussion re/$270,000 included a response from JZ that the City accountant indicated this money should be moved to the separate account. TF
• A discussion in this same vein included fiduciary responsibility of the Board to consider spending with all the facts ahead of time to allow consideration of facts. TF
• There were concerns about this matter such as:
  • If the funds were not moved into a reserve fund, the money might be unavailable for intended purposes if a 2024 deficit occurred.
  • Should the money be reserved if taxpayers are upset that the Library is not using it to pay for other costs besides Collections, programs and services.
  • This money was not municipally sourced, but came from all taxpayers of the province.

  After discussion there was a Motion: The Board will create a reserve fund to enable Prince Rupert Library to save the one-time Library Enhancement grant for 2024 and 2025 projects. Motion made by BT, seconded by TF and passed.

• There was also a discussion about expectations for respectful communication and clarifying intent. TF
• We discussed the 2024-2025 projects process list and the Trustees agreed it was good summary and to continue with it. One idea that came from trustees is that we could have more physical tactile objects such as mobiles for children to experience.
• Trustees discussed the idea of the Library creating donor plaques to recognize local residents and organizations who have donated funds to the Library, and it was accepted by all present as a good idea, but there are different ideas of how to do it. Also it was suggested that we promote Library in memoriam opportunities on our social media pages.
• Trustees have JZ to ask City if they have gone further on recruiting Library trustees as was previously discussed.
• Matters of Consideration (for next meeting):
• If needed, I can write a new motion at our next meeting as this aligns with the pre-reading for the board training on roles and responsibilities. All information needs to be presented to trustees for decisions to be made by the board in carrying out our duties. If I wasn’t clear, I apologize and will write a new motion next meeting. TF
• Motion to adjourn by BT, seconded by CdR @ 8:55pm

Next Meeting Wednesday March 13, 2024 at 7pm, in the MP

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



January 10, 2024

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF), Kate Lyon (KL), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Carolina de Ryk (CdR)

Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

• Traditional territorial acknowledgement: BT
• Question about Nov. 8, 2023 In camera meeting minutes. Motion to go in camera by TF, seconded by BT.
• Motion to leave in camera session, by TP, seconded by TF. Passed
• Motion to accept consent agenda by BT, seconded by TP. Passed
• Truth and Reconciliation discussion:
• 2024 All Native Basketball Tournament coming up in February 11-18 (or perhaps future
  tourneys). Trustees wondering what the Library can do for promotion of Library during tourney. Some ideas:
• Perhaps have our annual Book Sale during this time frame
• Put up "welcome ANBT visitors to Library or La bala Sgan (sp and character check
  needed), possibly meet with Ts'msyen Sm'algyax Language Authority representative.
• Trustee TP to talk with our Social Media person re: postings on Social media
• Trustees TP and KL will speak Port of Prince Rupert about funding Library for ANBT tourney (eg. purchase tickets for Library to give out [similar to Shames passes idea])
• Focus on Strategic Plan goal: Diversity/Inclusion
• Discussion of recent disagreement between the Library staff and parent (and follow-up correspondence between parent and Chief Librarian) about usage of preferred name rather than legal name of patron who is a minor. Trustees acknowledged difficulty of resolving the different perspectives of parent and child, wondered about minor's well-being, considering whether technical and policy changes are needed and whether this matter has occurred in other Libraries -especially in the North West Library Federation. Trustees aware of the follow-up actions taken by Library staff and JZ. JZ will correspond with the parent about this matter.
• Board considered the proposed meeting schedule for 2024. A change was made for the February meeting, but otherwise it was accepted as is. JZ will alter schedule accordingly. The February PRL Board meeting will be on February 21, 2024.
• JZ detailed some of the recent cyber-attacks on Library in Canada (Toronto PL and London PL) and notified trustees of the challenges PRL has re: technical matters. JZ will start planning possible options for the Library's digital needs. As well JZ will ask the BC Libraries Coop (the host of our patron's information what liability protection PRL has in case of damage/escape of patron information.

Motion to adjourn at 8:55 pm, by KL, seconded by TP, passed.

Next Meeting at 7pm February 21, 2024

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



November 8, 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Kate Lyon (KL)

Meeting commenced at 7:02 pm.

Traditional territorial welcome: BT

• From the Discussion agenda - Dr. Rob Buchan (Prince Rupert City Manager) wished to speak to the Library Board in-camera
• Motion to go to in-camera by BT, seconded by RoB to receive information from the City Manager, passed.
• In-camera minutes attached to trustees copy of the Minutes ONLY
• Consent agenda - Motion to accept consent agenda by RiB, seconded by RoB, passed.
• JZ to distribute revised PRL policy manual, if and when policy manual is revised once Collection Policy Book challenge form is altered.

Truth and Reconciliation Discussion:

• Today is National Indigenous Veterans' Day
• PRL has been altering it's collections, specifically some 'residential schools' items that have been historically classified under DDS (Dewey Decimal System) under (education, curriculum, pedagogy) under the 390s and we've moved them to the 970s (North American and Canadian history) to better reflect the residential school system and it's impact. As well some books in the 299s (mythology) are being weeded and/or relocated to to other areas depending on their content and authenticity.
• we discussed how MT and JZ were reviewing our present book challenge policy and form.
• We are working with Sitka and the BC Co-op in replacing old subject headings with more respectful and inclusive subject headings.

Focus on Strategic Plan goal: PRL establishing more community partnerships

• PRL representatives have been working with City's Accessibility Committee
• A new project with PRGA (Prince Rupert Gymnastics Association) has begun. We are supporting the PRGA in their Northern Health funding application to create and then circulate 'Seniors Mobility kits' here at the Library.
• JZ will be meeting with the new Executive Director of the Museum of Northern British Columbia in early January.

Discussion Agenda

• City put out a RFP (Request For Proposal) for the work to be done on the Library's Heating system and the RFP closes November 8, 2023
• City is looking for a grant to fund purchase of further carpet tiles and installation of all carpet tiles as well.
• Motion to go to in-camera by re: Labour relations by BT, seconded by TF, passed.
• Capital cost concerns discussion will be on the "Matters under consideration" for the January 2024 meeting.
• The trustees offered congratulations to Council Representative TF for being awarded the Governor General's gold medal for her thesis (Environmental sustainability in health care) in her Masters' of Arts and Leadership degree from Royal Roads University.
• The costs of the Christmas party are to be distributed like this:
1. The Library will not be responsible for any alcoholic drinks for anyone.
2. The Library will pay for the Library staff-members food, drinks, their portion of the taxes and gratuity.
3. The Library will pay for the same elements for the staff-member's single guest. If the staff-member wishes to bring more than 1 guest (i.e. friends, children, etc) the other guests' food, drink, gratuity, taxes will be the responsibility of the staff-member.
4. Trustees will be responsible for their entire costs and those costs their single guest. Again, if trustees wish to bring more than 1 guest, the trustee will be responsible for that guest as well.
5. Trustee Teri Forster has stated that she will be the responsible party for all of the trustees, but not for the guests of the trustees.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:20 pm.

Next Meeting at 7pm (Jan. 10, 2023)

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.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



September 13, 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Teri Forster (TF), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Kate Lyon (KL), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Richard Butler (RB)

Meeting commenced at 7:01 pm.

• Traditional Ts'msyen Territory acknowledgement by BT
• We had guests from City Hall tonight, Mayor Herb Pond, City Manager Dr. Rob Buchan and Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller. We went directly to the Discussion Agenda item Library Future discussion with City Hall representatives.
• Introductions of trustees and City Hall representatives
• Discussion of present Prince Rupert infrastructure and the expense of rebuilding water lines and affected pipes overwhelming City financial resources detailed by Mayor Pond and Dr. Buchan.
• City wants to work with Library trustees to improve Library services but can not fund a new library for the next several years. Their focus is on the water system infrastructure.
• Trustees will explore what Library fundraising opportunities are available for trustees
• Rosa Miller spoke about the City's process of Library trustee selection through following the BC Library Act. There was discussion how present trustees could play an important role in the process through advocacy, helping individuals during the application process and actively seeking out individuals who they feel will help build a better Library.
• After the City Hall guests finished we moved to two other items on the Discussion Agenda, the 2024 Library municipal grant request and the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) resulting from the PRL Board and CUPE-105-01 employees
• Discussion about the various options of municipal grant request. An option was chosen and a motion by TP, seconded by KL to accept the grant request as prepared by JZ was passed. This grant request will be delivered to City by JZ by end of September, 2023.
• Motion to move into in-camera for discussion of the MoS. Motion by BT, seconded by CdR, passed. After discussion, the Board moved out of in-camera meeting.
• Motion by CdR that the Board endorses the MoS pending the correction of the error on the Page's wage table, seconded by RoB, passed
• Motion to accept Consent Agenda as is by TP, seconded by RoB, passed

Meeting adjourned 9:05 pm

Next meeting October 11, 2023 7pm in the Library

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



June 14, 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Carolina de Ryk (CdR),Teri Forster (TF), Kate Lyon (KL), Brendan Turner (BT), , Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Tiffany Prystay (TP)


Meeting commenced at 7:07 pm. Vice-Chairperson CdR became Acting Chairperson

• Territorial acknowledgement by CdR
• The minutes of the May 24, 2023 PRL Board meeting were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
• BT joins meeting and resumes Chairperson role.
• Discussion about changes to the format of the Agenda
1. add a ongoing place holder to the end of the Agenda called 'Open Forum'
2. add a second page to the Agenda entitled: 'Matters under Consideration'
• #1 is added to agenda in order to give all trustees the space to bring up any matter that is not explicitly mentioned in the Consent or Discussion sections of the agenda
• #2 is added to provide a ongoing list of matters that are of concern to the Board but have not been resolved by a motion or dismissal
• Motion by RiB, seconded by RoB to accept the above two changes, passed.
• BT started the conversation about a couple of the activities by the Library in celebration of National Indigenous History Month and the National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
• BT referred to the non-fiction book display and the associated social media promotion by the Library staff.
• CdR and JZ mentioned that the Library is promoting the CBC podcast The Urbariginals in which much of the material was recorded at this Library.
• The near-completion or our new external Library sign "Wap Liistx" which will be hung on the McBride St. side of the building
• Our attempt at getting the microfilm collection of "William Duncan Correspondence" for our patrons. This is an important collection concerning the development of the two Metlakatlas (Old Metlakatla BC and New Metlakatla Alaska)
• CdR asked about the status of the indigenous carving project that we had been working on for our centennial year (2022). JZ answered that the project has been delayed due in part to the artist presently not having access to a carving facility. TF may be able to obtain more information about access to the carving shed in town and how it is managed. TF will let the Board know how that goes.
• Motion to accept the remaining elements of the Consent Agenda (May 2023 Financial Report, May Circulation report and Registered Charity Information Report submission to CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) by RiB, seconded by BT, passed.
• Our Deputy Librarian was not able to present her Collections Development session tonight due to illness
• BT asked if our Library had experienced any threats or otherwise challenging letters or complaints about items in our Library as was happening in other public and school libraries in BC and across Canada. JZ answered that there have not been any challenges but there was one letter from a patron asking the same question who was supportive of the Library and the right to disseminate books about matters that offend some people but help others.
• The Board then went into an in-camera session to discuss matters relevant to Collective Agreement (CA) negotiations.
• Once the in-camera session ended JZ informed the Board that email invitations were sent to the City (Prince Rupert) Manager and Northern Health re: the items in the agenda, but that there had not been any responses yet.
• In the first 'Open Forum' session the following matters were discussed
• Trustees were reminded that there would not be a regular Board meeting until September 2023 although there will probably a special meeting regarding completion of CA negotiations in July.
• We have to figure out the best trustee training options that work for most of the trustees and do them. We are considering zoom training through BCLTA. Another option is to combine our training dates with Terrace Public Library (because they have a significant number of new trustees as well) and have an in-person training workshop with a BCLTA trainer. Also as BT is PRL's representative on the North West Library Federation (NWLF) he will ask Kaitlyn Vecchio (NWLF coordinator) if she is aware of any trustee training opportunities.

Motion to adjourn by TF, seconded RiB, passed.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:45pm. Next regular Meeting at 7pm Sept. 13, 2023.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



May 24, 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)


Regrets: Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Kate Lyon (KL)


Meeting commenced at 7:04 pm.

• Traditional territorial acknowledgement by BT
• Motion to accept Consent Agenda by TF, seconded by RoB; passed
• Discussion Agenda
• Discussion about recently passed Library operational budget and capital request for heating/HVAC issues
• Motion by TF, seconded by RiB that JZ invite Dr. Rob Buchan (or his designate) to a PRL Board meeting to clarify the City's position for a new Library, passed.
• Discussion about the Library's Heating problem in relation to other building issues and Board consensus that heating was the number 1 priority
• Discussion about possibility of having a mental health nurse/social worker at the Library present at the Library for some time. JZ will contact Northern Health to explore this possibility.
• JZ will explore what other mental health training or emergency processes or de-escalation training would be useful to Library staff.
• Board suggests that Saturday June 17, 9am to 12:30pm is a good time for trustees and staff to get together to discuss the implementation of the Strategic plan and the next iteration of the plan.
• Motion by RoB, seconded by TP to accept the proposed wording of the suggestion that PR Library creates a policy to explicitly state that the Library will support local authors. The statement will be: The Prince Rupert Library will support authors of Prince Rupert by collecting published area authors books while retaining the right of rejection. JZ will place this new Policy in the PRL Policy manual prior to June 14 Board meeting.
• Discussion about the soon-to-be hung new Library sign -Wap Liistx. We are still hopeful that it will be hung June 21, 2023.
• The PRL Library Board negotiation team will consist of the Chief Librarian, JZ and Richard Butler and the planned negotiation session will be July 4-7 2023.
• JZ will request that Rosa Miller, Corporate Administrator of City of Prince Rupert, come to speak with the Library Board about the selection of Library trustees. Any BCLTA training will wait until after Rosa's talk with the Board.
• There was discussion about moving the 'Children's computer' from the Children's area. Trustees are going to think about this and talk to other people before any action is requested.
• There was discussion about possible expansion of weekend hours, possibly on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Again, trustees are going to think about this and talk to other people before any action is requested.

Motion to adjourn: RiB, passed. Meeting ended at 8:15pm

Next Meeting at 7pm Wednesday June 14, 2023.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



April 12 , 2023

Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Carolina de Ryk (CdR) , Kate Lyon (KL),Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ) Chief Librarian


Regrets: Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF)


Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

• Traditional Tsimshian territorial acknowledgement by Chair Brendan Turner
• There was a mention of the possible formal policy statement about the Library collecting Prince Rupert Author's works. JZ had this in the March 8, 2023 meeting minutes but should have also had it in the April 14, 2023 agenda. JZ will place this in the May Agenda for Board to discuss.
• Motion to accept Consent agenda by RoB, seconded by BT, passed.

Truth and Reconciliation conversation

• How can we (Library Board and Library) honour National Indigenous Peoples Day in June?
• A possibility of promoting the CBC/PRL podcasts which should be ready by June.
• We'll try and do childrens/adult programming focusing on Indigenous people around the holiday
• There might be a way of integrating the theme of the BC Summer Reading Club Journey through Time
• We'll connect with various organizations in town (eg. Friendship House, SD52)

KL and TP and volunteer Library staff member will be involved with the above possibilities.

• Compliments for the Library Instagram postings. Good work. TP is willing to help out in our Instagram postings, possibly with Libby promotion.
• Discussion around recent successful children's programming during March break and upcoming May adult programming in partnership with SD52 and Prince Rupert Community Arts Council.
• Discussion about Library Funding for 2023. Our Library recently a significant increase in Prov funding that can be used immediately or over 3 years, depending on Library needs. As well the North Coast Regional District funding increased as well. A motion by RoB, seconded by TP that Board Chair BT will write our City Council representative TF to inquire about status of municipal funding of Library; passed.
• Board discussion about involving Library staff in implementation of Strategic Plan as well as gathering input for the next iteration of strategic plan. Trustees and staff will meet on the evening of May 1, 2023 at the Library for this discussion.
• Discussion about the Chief Librarian in the role of secretary of the Board. This role is designated by the BC Library Act to the Chief Librarian.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Next Meeting at 7pm (May 10, 2023) in the staff room in Library.