June 19 2024 Board Meeting Minutes

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting


June 19, 2024

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

Regrets: Teri Forster (TF), Kate Lyon (KL)

Meeting commenced at 7:03 pm.

• Recognition of traditional territory of Tsimshian people -BT
• Consent Agenda - motion to pass Consent agenda moved by RoB, seconded by RiB; Passed
• Truth and Reconciliation Conversation:
• CdR informed the board that the CBC podcast created in Prince Rupert, including the Public Library and released in 2023 has been nominated for a RTDNA (Radio Television Digital News Association) Canada Award. The results will be announced in the fall of 2024.
• JZ announced to trustees that the entire William Duncan Correspondence fonds have been digitized by Library and Archives Canada and shipped to our Library. This collection of over 24,000 documents will be a valuable resource for residents of Prince Rupert,
  Metlakatla BC and Metlakatla AK.
• Focus on Strategic Plan, Goal: Inclusivity
• JZ detailed the recent Carpet removal/replacement for most of the Library during the first two June. While there was some disruption, including 3 days of closure and staff discomfort; the project is finished one day earlier than scheduled and patrons are pleased to see the new carpet and brighter appearance./li>
• There has been a patron written complaint about the presence of the childrens' computer in the Childrens' area. The non-internet, curated educational software computer is a well-used computer that a complainant feels that the computer's presence is too much of a distraction to their child and requests that we remove the computer or turn it off when they come to the Library. The person states that the computer makes them feel unwelcome, that the library is not an inclusive place. JZ has notified the patron that removing a resource that many children, including those without a computer at home, would be counter to the Library's mandate of providing resources to the community. The Library is considering whether it is possible to move the computer to a place where children can still access it safely while minimizing the distraction a computer can evoke in children.
• JA suggested that the PRL investigate a possible program for parents needing pre-natal education and working on this with the Prince Rupert Health Unit.
• TF wondered about increased programming for Children on weekends. JZ will discuss this matter with staff.
• Discussion Agenda
• Introduction of new trustees - Nina Purewal (Provincial Court Judge), and Jolie Amante (employee of the Prince Rupert Health Unit). The Board welcomes Nina and Jolie and is looking forward to hearing new voices. JZ will forward our two new trustees some Library Board resources:
• The BC Library Act
• PRL Policy Manual
• The Effective Board Member
• The 2022-2025 PRL-CUPE 105-01 Collective Agreement (once it is signed)
• Collective Agreement had 2 typographical errors in it that needed correction. Union representatives will have corrections done soon and it will then be available for signatures.
• The Chief Librarian is retiring from Library. JZ is thankful for this work as Chief Libarian for the past 13 years and 12 years as Deputy Librarian beforehand. The Board thanked JZ for his good work and dedication to the Library. JZ will assist in any appropriate manner the Board in their work to find a successor for the Chief Librarian. He will be leaving his position around August 1 or thereabouts.
• Discussion about prior in-camera discussion of previous meetings

Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 pm. Next Meeting at 7pm (July 17, 2024).