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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.

Prince Rupert Public Library
Library Board Meeting
Wednesday March 8 , 2023
Present: Ronald Braun (RoB), Richard Butler (RiB), Teri Forster (TF), ,Kate Lyon (KL), Carolina de
Ryk, (CdR), Tiffany Prystay (TP), Brendan Turner (BT), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)
Regrets: n/a
Meeting commenced at 7:03 pm.
•
•
Motion (by CdR, seconded by RiB) to accept Consent Agenda after the correction of motion
mover to the February 2023 Minutes. re: Motion by RoB, seconded by CdR "That the Strategic
Plan committee... to finalize the document for the next iteration of the strategic plan. This
correction has been made in the February 2023 minutes.
Traditional Territorial acknowledgement by BT.
• Truth and Reconciliation Discussion:
◦ Both Hobiyee and the Skeena Oolichan run are happening right now. Discussion about the
importance of the first fish of the year as well recognition of the importance of the
'candlefish' to the First Nation individuals of our area. We will consider getting either both
or one of the authors of "Oolichan Moon" (Samantha Beynon and Lucy Trimble) to do a
reading at this time next year.
◦ There is presently a repatriation of a Gitnagun’aks House Post to Gitxaala/Kitkatla. The
Library will try and put up a display about repatriation and totem/house poles once it is in
our area. The house post may be staying in the Museum of Northern BC for a period of
time and that could be a good time to do the display, sometime around April 15, 2023.
• The Board discussed which order of Strategic Plan goals will be arranged for our monthly Goal
discussion. The order should be available shortly.
The 2023-2024 Strategic Plan has been finalized. A motion by CdR, seconded by RoB to
accept the final version as passed. The plan is complete and ready for sharing and
implementation.
JZ reported to the Board that the BC government has granted $48M for all 71 libraries in BC. It
is not yet broken down the money by individual libraries yet. JZ will keep Board informed.
Discussion about potential 'Prince Rupert Authors' policy. The idea being to formalize a
collection development decision and whether a nominal dollar amount should be within the
statement. This matter was tabled. JZ will write a simple statement for the Board to consider.
◦ Such as: The Prince Rupert Library will support authors of Prince Rupert by collecting
published area author's books while retaining the right of rejection if necessary.
Discussion of book guillotines and EmptyShelves Ltd. as means of discarding former holdings
in a sustainable and economic way.
Discussion of long-time, ongoing heating and air circulation problems.
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•
•
•
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Motion by TP, seconded by RiB to adjourn Meeting at 8:15pm.
Next PRL Board Mtg. on April 12 at 7pm in the Library MP room

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



January 11, 2023


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


Regrets: Richard Butler (RiB)


Meeting commenced at 7:02 pm.

• Introductions of present and new trustees.
• Selection of tonight's Chairperson. Carolina de Ryk volunteered.
• Traditional territorial acknowledgement by CdR
• Motion by TF to accept Consent Agenda as is, seconded by BT. Motion passed.
• Motion by BT to accept tentative 2023 Board Meeting as amended, seconded by TF. Motion passed.
• Discussion about recent use of social media by the Library staff; Trustees were happy and impressed with the activity and content.
• Acclamation of Library Board's officers. Chairperson is Brendan Turner, Vice-Chairperson Carolina de Ryk. Brendan Turner will continue as PRL representative on NWLF Board.
• Discussion about Library's 2023 grant request to the City of Prince Rupert. JZ discussed historical context of the grant request process, different request amount options and importance of getting it passed in timely fashion. Trustees will meet specifically re: budget assessment and acceptance later in January (in the Jan 17-20 timeframe).
• Discussion of our Strategic Plan completion. We have created a new Strategic Plan committee tasked with getting to the final version in order for the Library Board to accept it. Committee will consist of CdR, RoB, KLand TF (floating).
• JZ will start looking for BCLTA training options for out trustees in early February.
• Discussion about the present Trustee appointment process and the possibility of forming a committee and inviting Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller to the Library to understand City's position re: Library trustee appointments.
• Starting with the February Library Board meeting, Meeting agendas will include an item:
• Truth and Reconciliation conversation

Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm

Board meetings after this meeting will be a hybrid meetings, ie. those trustees who wish to meet in person will do so in the Library multipurpose (MP) room while those who wish to meet virtually will use a Zoom link. The next meetings are:

January (17, 18 or 19, TBD by trustees) at 7pm in Library MP room for 2023 Library Budget passing. February 15, 2023 at 7pm for regular February PRL Board Meeting, again a hybrid meeting.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



February 15, 2023


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


Regrets: Kate Lyon (KL)


Meeting commenced at 7:06 pm.

• Traditional territorial acknowledgement by BT
• Re: Consent Agenda: Jan. circulation report: Question to JZ about the significantly higher WiFi numbers in January 2023 then Dec. 2022 numbers. JZ will take this question back to reporting staff and return to Board with answer.
• Motion to accept Consent agenda with JZ's action to inquire about WiFi numbers difference by RiB, 2nded by RoB.
• Truth and Reconciliation Discussion, today's focus is the All-Native Basketball Tournament (ANBT) and it's impact on community and Library. Here are comments:
• CdR: T&R discussion fits our inclusivity mandate, Promote the Library by welcoming
  tourney athletes, family and fans.
• JZ: we see new faces, more WiFi (public computer users), more general foot traffic
• RoB: we could talk to the ANBT administration and see if there are archival opportunities for us or PRCity and Regional Archives
• TF: "I was volunteering at this weeks PRL book sale and I saw lots of new faces visiting the Library as well".
• RiB: We could consider coordinating Book Sale and ANBT for next year.
• TF: I want to thank the Library staff for their kind, helpfulness towards the Book Sale volunteers
• TP: We could different window decorations for the ANBT
• Question from TF about PRL accepting book donations. Simple answer is that, in general we do not accept book donations EXCEPT for certain exceptions. Primarily due to the reality that we have to send the majority of discards, un-accepted donations to the landfill. BC recycling regulations do not require recycling facilities to accept books. We are looking at two new options: 1. Book guillotine and 2. EmptyShelves Inc. book purchase possibility.
• Discussion about our trustees doing zoom/online BCLTA training. Right now trustees would like to hold off until the next two trustees are chosen so that everyone is 'on the same page'.
• Comment by RiB: I saw the PRL 2022 circulation story in The Northern View and I want to encourage us to keep doing both digital and print promotion.
• Motion by RoB, seconded by CdR:
  That the Strategic Plan committee work with JZ to finalize the document by late February. The Strategic Plan committee will distribute the final version to the full Board for review (typos correction but no new content) and then have a motion at the March Board mtg for acceptance of the plan. Concurrently have Board-staff meeting(s) to get input from PRL staff for the next iteration of the strategic plan.
• Another agenda item for March meeting: How to best roll out Strategic Plan to the community.

Motion to adjourn at 8:03 pm, by CdR, seconded by TF, passed.

Next Meeting at 7pm March 8.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



November 9, 2022


Present: Carolina de Ryk, Brendan Turner, Dale White, Kate Lyon, Chris Armstrong, Kathleen Larkin


Regrets: Stephanie Lysyk (SL)


This was an informal meeting with three topics for discussion:

• Board/Staff winter social event
• Succession plan for electing a new Board Chair and Vice Chair following Chelsea Keays’ move to Lund
• Next steps with the Strategic Plan

Winter Social event:

• Board members expressed their wish to spend social time with the staff, to get to know them and to catch up on library activities after the disconnect caused by the pandemic
• Kathleen described the kind of events held in the past
• Chris expressed the view that the event should be paid for by the Library. Kate concurred.
• Possible dates are Sundays, December 4 and 11
• Kathleen will contact suggested venues for availability and prices; Legion, Pavillion and Highliner and report back to the Board

Succession Plan for electing a new Chair and Vice Chair:

• Under the terms of the Library Act, members of the Board must be residents of the Library’s service area. Chelsea is now living in Lund, so is ineligible, and she would also like to step down
• Of those present, Dale and Chris will be ending their service on the Board shortly, and will not be considered for either open position. Carolina, Kate and Brendan discussed serving but did not progress to nominations. It was decided that in line with the Library Act, in the absence of the Board Chair and Vice Chair, at each meeting those present will elect one member to be Acting Chair for that meeting. Elections to fill the vacant positions will take place after the appointment of new members.
• Carolina expressed her understanding that a new City rep will be determined at the November 21 City Council meeting.
• It was observed that a small Board is more efficient, but it does affect diversity
• Shortcomings of the process for appointing new Board members was discussed, with the observation that staggered calls for new members, as is currently the case, is inefficient and inconvenient for moving forward with Board business.
• Improving the recruitment process is a Board priority as is education for Board members regarding roles and responsibilities. Brendan will bring this up at the next NWLF meeting, requesting information on how to arrange training and costs.

Motion by Carolina, seconded by Kate that The Board invite Rosa Miller to join the next Board meeting to explain the recruitment and appointment process. Carried.

Moving ahead with the Strategic Plan:

• The Board would like to move ahead with the Strategic Plan. One of the delays in passing the plan is the final wording of the territorial acknowledgement. After discussing the possibility of passing the plan with the acknowledgement pending, it was decided that finalizing the language was essential.

Motion by Brendan, seconded by Carolina that a committee of Dale and Kate will finalize the wording of the territorial acknowledgement to be presented at the next Board meeting. Carried.

• It was suggested that a Strategic Planning Committee be formed to keep the Plan current and in mind at Board meetings and in decision-making. Questions such as, How long is the lifetime of the Plan, and Should it be reviewed each year, would be addressed.
• Committees could be formed that will reflect what the Board wants to accomplish with regard to the Strategic Plan.
• The Board would like the staff to be involved, and it was suggested that Board members could meet with individual staff members to gain a better understanding of their roles in the library.

Motion by Carolina to adjourn the meeting. 8:10pm

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



June 8, 2022


Present: Nick Adey (NA), Chris Armstrong (CA), Carolina de Ryk (Cdr), Chelsea Keays (CK), Kate Lyon (KL), Dale White (DW) , Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)


Regrets: Stephanie Lysyk (SL), Brendan Turner (BT)


Meeting commenced at 7:02 pm.

• K offered a Ts'msyen traditional territory acknowledgement
• DW was in Quesnel and he offered a traditional territory acknowledgement of the Lhtako Dené
• Motion to accept Consent Agenda by CdR, seconded by CK, passed.
• Discussion Agenda amended to include the above.

Discussion Agenda

• Item added to Discussion agenda: What is status of PRL's strategic Plan?
• Truth and Reconciliation Discussion:
  • CdR updated trustees on the first event of the CBC/PRL Our Stories featuring Marlena Joseph. The event went well.
  • KL informed Library Board that we should connect with the local Sm'algyax Language Authority rather than SD52 when we wish to confirm correct Sm'algyax spelling and terminology. Also KT expressed the importance of having indigenous representation on the Library Board and that she knows someone interested in this opportunity.
• KL spoke of the recent Welcome to Kindergarten and Ready Set Learn programs happening at SD52 and was happy to see Public Library staff involvement.
• CdR wished to know where the Board was re: the Library's Strategic Plan. This matter was tabled to the next PRL Board meeting.
• Library Update
  • JZ reported that the roof drain has been fixed in the Library and City notified in order to continue ceiling and electrical repairs. NA will see if he can help the process flow.
  • JZ informed the Board of the details of the BC COVID-19 Relief and Recovery grant in the amount of ~$39000 as well as some possible options that we can purchase with the grant.
  • JZ reported that the recent Centennial Cake Day on May 28 was a great success, More than 150 people showed up and emptied us of celebratory treats. Many had kind and supportive things to say to us. It was a good day.
  • JZ mentioned that Bill 19 has prompted recent Human Resources changes with the City of Prince Rupert re: COVID sick days for casual staff and JZ will draw up a similar proposal for trustees to review and accept/deny for the next PRL Board meeting.
  • City will/has placed the "PRL trustees needed" ad in the Northern View as of June 8/9.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm. Next meeting, potentially a hybrid zoom/in-person meeting on August 10 @ 7pm. This date is contingent upon City appointing a new trustee(s) before this date.

Prince Rupert Public Library

Library Board Meeting



April 20, 2022


Present: Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Chelsea Keays (CK), Kate Lyon (KL), Stephanie Lysyk (SL), Brendan Turner (BT), Dale White (DW), Joe Zelwietro (JZ, Chief Librarian)


Regrets: Nick Adey (NA), Chris Armstrong (CA)


Meeting commenced at 7:04 pm.

• Motion to accept Consent Agenda as is by BT, seconded by CK, Passed.
• Request to place two more items in Discussion Agenda:
  • Mental Health concerns
  • Return of Children's programming
• Discussion Agenda amended to include the above.
• Motion by SL, seconded by CK that we begin each library board meeting with a territorial acknowledgement. Passed.
• Motion that the board dedicate the first half hour of the May Library Board to consider 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. Motion by SL and seconded KL, Passed.
• Chief Librarian Update on Library Matters.
  • Ceiling repairs still undone, very recent confirmation that the delayed part has finally arrived at plumbers, we're now on their list of work to be done.
  • City has begun installation of 3 computers to our heating system and it is planned that Jet Controls will shortly train staff on usage of subscription-based system-controlled software.
  • Resignation of our Library Assistant-Technical staff-member has decreased the Library's technical capabilities, but so far all servers, staff workstations and technical services are working. There has not been adequate responses to our recruitment work (local Ads in newspaper, library website, social mediathus far and JZ will try other avenues recommended by trustees (talk to Vallee IT Solutions Ltd., contact CityWest technical staff, and see if UofA has a job Board).
  • Discussion of the new Centennial Library card. We will consider merchandising options featuring the card art, after I get permission from the artist. One trustee recommends that we do not buy white or off-white bags as they show dirt too much. Another trustee mentioned that it's possible that SD52 (or individual parties within SD52) might purchase merchandise with indigenous art for gifts to speakers/presenters.
  • Discussion of PRL Centennial waive of overdue fines. This began on April 2 and will continue until at least Dec. 31, 2022. There have been positive comments given to staff about this action.
  • Informed the Board that we are near completion of the Children's Non-Fiction refresh. This will hopefully increase our circulation statistics of Juvenile/Children's Non-Fiction.
  • We resumed opening Thursday evenings on April 7. This means that we are now back to our regular pre-COVID hours of operation.
  • We discussed the importance of Mental Health supports for all. Specifically, we considered how to help patrons who were experiencing mental health distress while in the Library while taking the care burden off Library staff. SD52 has a 'mental health nurse outreach' program and BT will talk to one of the nurses to see if they can do something helpful at the Public Library.
  • A couple of trustees wanted to know when and what childrens programming will occur at the Library. We will most likely start in-house programs (our Tales for Twos and Story Hour programs) in the Fall, assuming no COVID comeback. CK would like to see a '0-2 years old' program added to our programming. JZ, staff and CK will follow up on this and come up with something. As well, KL thought that some local Early Childhood Education workers might be able to assist us in this endeavour.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 pm. Next Meeting at 7pm (May 11, 2022). It will be a Zoom/in-person hybrid.