About the Library

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



May 11, 2022

Present: Nick Adey (NA), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Chelsea Keays (CK), Katie Lyon, Stephanie Lysyk (SL), Brendan Turner (BT), Andrea Wilmot (AW), Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)


Regrets: Chris Armstrong (CA), Dale White (DW),

Meeting commenced at 7:05 pm.

• Chairperson gave an acknowledgement of the Board meeting taking place on unceded Ts'mysen territory
• Motion to accept Consent Agenda by CK, seconded by NA, passed.
• Addition requested to Discussion Agenda by CdR. CdR wished to update trustees about CBC-PRL "Our Stories" project. It is was added.
• First item on Discussion Agenda: Discussion about what PR Library has already done and will do in the future to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations, and our own aspirations, with respect to reconciliation goals. Trustees offered ideas such as:
• We should talk with Nathan Cullen once we have some specific idea developed.
• We should engage with indigenous individuals to see what they wish from the library.
• We acknowledge that there are financial challenges in service provision development since the Library is primarily funded by the municipality as we try to serve non-Rupert areas. This difficulty has been experienced by the municipality of Prince Rupert in dealing with costs of the North Coast Regional District.
• Trustees wish to have indigenous representation on the Library Board.
• The Library could put up trilingual signs (English, French and Sm'algyax).
• It's important that words,works be authentic.
• There could be an elder-in-residence in the Library
• The Chief Librarian and Children's Library Assistant went to Lax Kw'alaams right before the COVID pandemic and it was a successful trip.
• It's a process, it's awesome to be involved in this!
• What kind of cheap/free ways can we do something now?
• PRL can use the resources that SD52 have.
• Motion, by AW, to have Truth and Reconciliation discussion as a standing Discussion Agenda item at every regular PRL Board meeting. Seconded by CdR. Passed.
• JZ gave updates to the Board about Library in April
• The hole in the 1st Floor ceiling/2nd floor floor is the same as it was since Dec. 31. Plumbing company having difficulty obtaining necessary tools.
• JZ (and City Accounting) has completed Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) and will be submitting it to Province by weeks end.
• New Centennial Library cards are available to the public now and being promoted.
• A new employee has been hired to fill the vacant Library Assistant-Technical position
• The Library has purchased and obtained new audio equipment to improve our public events, including the upcoming June events by the CBC-PRL Our Stories project.
• The Library has purchased, but not yet obtained a new Xerox DocuCentre to replace our present older machine.
• JZ, and staff working on new 'Baby Time' (working title) in-house program.
• CdR gave Board an update on the CBC-PRL Our Stories project. Rudy Kelly will be regularly working our of the Library as the Journalist-in-Residence at the PRL. During the month of June there will be four Thursday/Fridays of Rudy being available to talk with patrons as they use the Library. There will also be 3 Saturdays with live interviews, with audience members.
  June 04 Marlena Joseph Nisga'a dancer
  June 18 Saltwater Hank, Ts'mysen musician and
  June 25 Treena Decker, Haida actor.
• BT updated the trustees about a connection between SD52 mental health nurses and patrons in the Library. His initial contact with one of the nurses at SD52 went well, and he will be talking further with the proper person to organize this possibility.

Motion to adjourn by AW, seconded by CK at 8:07 pm

Next PRL Board meeting on June 8, 2022 at 7pm. It will be a hybrid in-person/zoom meeting.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting


December 6, 2017

Present: Cary Dalton (CD), Devlin Fernandes (DF),Glenn Groulx (GG), Stephanie Lysyk (SL), Chelsea Keays (CK), Dale White (DW), Andrea Wilmot (AW), Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Brent Patriquin (BP)

Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

• Motion to amend Discussion agenda to include:
• add Friends of Library update
• Negotiations update
• Community Enhancement Grant update/li>
• and move three items from Consent agenda to Discussion agenda
• PRRCF report
• Early Years grant obtained
• SD52 summer student report

moved by SL and seconded by AW, passed

• Motion to accept Board Mtg of October 25, 2017 minutes by CD, seconded by AW, passed
• Discussion regarding PRL’s representative on NWLF (North West Library Federation) board. Matter tabled until next meeting.
• Discussion about 2018 Board meeting dates, except for change of January’s date (from Jan 3 to Jan 10), the dates for the year were accepted.
• Discussion about the suggested framework for potential contract with City of Prince Rupert. A comprehensive framework was presented by SL and will be reviewed by trustees. Building committee will meet and discuss this further.
• JZ to present Board with present rental rates for the MP room and some suggestions about possible increase in rates. Library will be starting to rent out the MP room on Monday mornings as of Jan 2018 and we will assess the change later in the year. Motion to open the MP room to rentals on Monday mornings starting in Jan 2018, made by AW, seconded by DF, passed.
• Discussion of maintenance responsibilities of the Library Board for the building. Next action will be done by Building Committee./li>
• Discussion about recent resignation of library trustee, Jagdev Uppal. This brings the number of trustees to nine(9) and this is acceptable to Library Board and within range set by the Library Act. No further action at this point.
• Discussion about recent changes in Friends of the Library (FoL). They need more members, specifically more directors. JZ will invite the FoL to the next board meeting to hear their needs and see what the Board and Library staff can do to help.
• Board and JZ will meet on Dec 20 to discuss Negotiation plans. JZ will correspond with David Try, Library negotiator to determine best meeting date for Board, Chief Librarian and negotiator.
• Discussion about recent Community Enhancement Grant announcement. Although the Library has not received official notification yet, it appears that the Library will be receiving $645,000 from the municipality in 2018.
• JZ will share the recent community organization partnered projects (i.e. PRRCF PRL-Refresh project, SD#52 summer student project and the recent PR Early Years grant) with local news media and social media as well sending thanks to our MLA for her assistance with the new fountain the library has obtained through the City.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm. Next Meeting at 7pm (Dec. 20, 2017).

Prince Rupert Library Board Meeting Minutes

September 16, 2015

Present:

Glenn Groulx (GG), Helen Moore (HM), Peter Makszymyszyn (PM), Lauren Williams (LW), Brent Patriquin (BP), Tim MacDonald (TM), Devlin Fernandes (DF), Dale White (DW), Joe Zelwietro (JZ) Chief Librarian

Regrets:

Meeting commenced at 7:00 pm.

• Motion to accept agenda, moved by HM, seconded by BP, passed
• Motion to accept previous minutes, moved by LW, seconded by PM, passed
• In-camera session to discuss union rejection of memorandum of understanding and general discussion about the possibility of a new library in Prince Rupert as well as discussion about new libraries in BC and beyond the province
• Discussion of budget proposal within Library's Community Enhancement Grant application. Trustees may advise JZ on other aspects of CEG application as well in the next day or two.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:10 pm. Next Meeting at 7pm (TBA).

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).

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.