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Fraser Valley Regional Library34589 DeLair Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 5Y1

T 604-859-7141 W www.fvrl.ca

FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY

2014 Provincial Library Grants Report

Each year since 2011 FVRL has been required to submit a Provincial Library Grants Report as part of the overall accountability framework for public libraries and federations who receive public funds. The information in these grant reports is used in part to demonstrate the value of public funds in relation to the priorities of the provincial government. These reports also show the measurable positive impacts that public libraries have upon communities across BC.

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARYFraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL), with 25 libraries and a central administrative centre, serves over 700,000 residents spread over 13,000 square kilometers that are governed by 15 municipalities and regional districts. In each of our communities, the local library is a trusted partner and is recognized as a vital community destination and resource for literacy, recreation, and informed decision making.

The communities and local governments we serve grapple with the same long list of huge challenges that impact our province and our nation: globalization, socio-economic change, sustainability, big data and smart technology, lifelong learning, aging demographics, and financing the future.

Spread across our region are people groups that are reflective of past and continued immigration to British Columbia, as well as industries that are both new and old – agriculture, forestry, and fishing to tourism, entertainment, and technology. The communities are dense and urban, as well as scattered and rural. Neighbourhoods are posh and upscale as well as humble and neglected. Roads are occupied by pedestrians and cyclists, mini-cars and buses, SUVs and pick-up trucks, delivery vehicles and semi-trailers. A snapshot of Fraser Valley Regional Library is a picture of the splendor and complexity of British Columbia society today.

FVRL’S STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR 20141. Customers: Plan for and provide services and facilities to enhance the

customer experience.2. Staff: Create an agile, resilient organization by building capability with

FVRL staff. 3. Technology: Plan for and provide innovative technologies to evolve

library operations and services.

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4. Communication: Encourage customers to use and increase their engagement with library services.

5. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with local government, community and other partners.



FVRL’S VISION AND VALUESFoundational to everything Fraser Valley Regional Library undertakes are our vision and values, which also align with the provincial government’s priorities for BC’s public libraries.

FVRL Vision: To be an innovative organization that is recognized as a vital community destination and resource for literacy, recreation, informed decision-making, and social interaction.

FVRL Values1. We value development that invests in the enjoyment, lifelong learning,

literacy, and the vibrant health of communities.2. We value open access to library services and materials that remove

barriers associated with education, technology, culture, economics, and physical disadvantage.

3. We value and celebrate diversity as integral to an inclusive, vibrant community.

4. We value our responsive, courteous, and friendly staff as the foundation of FVRL’s service and success.

5. We seek collaboration and partnerships to maximize our potential to serve our customers and communities.

6. We value innovation as it gives us freedom to grow and take risks to find creative solutions and better serve our public in a fiscally responsible manner.

GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

Fraser Valley Regional Library’s report provides examples of how our libraries have fulfilled the following three government priorities: Equitable Access: A focus on equitable access to library services for all

British Columbians, including efforts to extend library service, both physical and digital, to under-represented populations (e.g. Aboriginal users and visually impaired);

Collaboration and Cooperation: A focus on collaboration and cooperation between libraries and other partners, as well as the development of shared service models and resources which extend or improve seamless access.

Community Engagement and Planning: Actively supporting community priorities and initiatives, and building collaborative community partnerships.

GOALS, PROGRAMS/SERVICES, PARTNERSHIPS, OUTCOMES



The following examples demonstrate the truly valuable outcomes and great success Fraser Valley Regional Library has achieved throughout our 25 libraries in meeting the provincial government priorities during 2014.

PRIORITY: EQUITABLE ACCESS

A. WORKING WITH LIONS TO SUPPORT VISUALLY IMPAIREDChilliwack and Sardis Libraries, Chilliwack

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Value: We value open access to library services and

materials that remove barriers associated with education, technology, culture, economics, and physical disadvantage.

b. FVRL Strategic Direction: Plan for and provide services and facilities to enhance the customer experience.

c. FVRL Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with local government, community and other partners.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ACCESSa. Increase library use by under-represented groups such as the

visually impaired.b. Work closely with community partners to reach audiences that we

may have otherwise not been able to attract.c. Increase the awareness of resources for the visually impaired to

those who are not visually impaired.

3. PROGRAMS/ SERVICES THAT ALIGN WITH THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITY

Through a partnership with the Chilliwack Lions Club, the Chilliwack Library was able to purchase four DAISY MP3 players with headphones and they are now housed in a dedicated listening station area in the Chilliwack Library. This allows customers who may not have the resources at home to listen to the library’s audio collection in a comfortable and safe environment.

The Lions Club also worked closely with the Sardis Library to develop a print/Braille collection for the visually impaired. The collection will be used not only as a resource for the visually impaired but also to create awareness for those who may not have ever been exposed to Braille books.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITY



The librarians from both the Chilliwack Library and Sardis Library worked closely with the Chilliwack Lions Club to share expertise with serving the visually impaired community of Chilliwack.

5. OUTCOMES

Heavy use of the listening station at the Chilliwack Library shows the value of the devices to the community of Chilliwack.The print/Braille collection has been ordered but not received to date. Because the collection is so specialized, it takes longer for items to arrive.

B. LIBRARY LIVE AND ON TOUR Serving All FVRL Communities, based in FVRL Administrative

Centre, Abbotsford(Funded by Literacy Grant)

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Value: We value open access to library services and

materials that remove barriers associated with education, technology, culture, economics, and physical disadvantage.

b. FVRL Value: We value development that invests in the enjoyment, lifelong learning, literacy, and the vibrant health of communities.

c. FVRL Strategic Direction: Provide awareness of changing role of public libraries.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ACCESSa. To raise awareness of library services and programs.b. To connect with the marginalized and socially excluded individuals

in our communities.c. To strengthen community partnerships.


Library and Live and On Tour (a.k.a. LiLi), FVRL’s mobile literacy initiative, takes the library to the people wherever they are in all fifteen of our FVRL communities – to a high school, a trade show, a parade, a homeless shelter, or a food bank. LiLi visits community agencies and connects with marginalized and socially excluded in our communities.

The surprise, attention-getting aspects of LiLi are invaluable in getting the word out about the importance of reading. We often have challenges getting teens into our libraries and, to address this, FVRL



libraries have begun the Get Carded event. This event links the Library Live and On Tour service with local high schools and the combination has been dynamite! Tsawwassen Library staff, working with our LiLi Tour Manager, distributed and updated almost 300 new library cards in one day! This was done thanks to Library Live and On Tour technologies that allowed access to our computers outside of the library.

Several other FVRL libraries are having similar success with our Get Carded events and local library staff is experiencing a huge number of newly carded teens in their libraries, illustrating the impact of the Library Live and On Tour to both introduce and reconnect teens with their libraries.With a growing regularity to LiLi’s scheduled visits throughout the Fraser Valley, combined with individual appearance opportunities that arise, Tour Manager Dave Denault is achieving a major goal of this literacy initiative – to connect meaningfully and provide a sense of community to the underserved. Library Live and On Tour fulfils a need and desire for the library to be in the community in a more integrated way, and on the very front lines of even the most marginalized locales.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITYLibrary Live and On Tour has developed scores of partnerships with community agencies, regularly visiting 8 community food banks, soup kitchens in 4 communities, mental health agencies in 5 communities, several literacy organizations, and high schools in 2 communities (e.g., Mission Food Bank, Mission Literacy, Women’s Resource Services, Ruth & Naomi’s Kitchen, Thunderbird Motel, Olive Branch, Chilliwack Health Centre, Maple Ridge Community Services Rainbow Club, Gateway of Hope, Chehalis Health and Wellness, Maple Ridge Caring Place, Abbotsford Food Bank).

Library Live and On Tour also connected with the Kwantlen and Sto:lo First Nations peoples and was present at numerous Aboriginal events, including a summertime festival attended by a thousand people from various First Nations.

Invitations from communities to attend summer events (for example, Canada Day, May Day) numbered 25 just from May through September, in addition to 10 parades in various communities throughout FVRL.

5. OUTCOMESa. Strengthened community partnerships.



b. Connected with the marginalized and socially excluded individuals in our communities through regularly scheduled and one-off appearances/community stops.

c. Issued new library cards or reactivated library cards for individuals.d. Removed barriers to literacy with FVRL’s new “Intro” library card

and by waiving library fines.e. Raised awareness of the library by participating in community

events such as fairs, festivals, and parades.

C. KATZIE FIRST NATION PARENTS AS LITERACY SUPPORTERSPitt Meadows Library, Pitt Meadows

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Vision: To be an innovative organization that is recognized

as a vital community destination and resource for literacy, recreation, informed decision-making, and social interaction.

b. FVRL Value: We seek collaboration and partnerships to maximize our potential to serve our customers and communities.

c. FVRL Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with local government, community and other partners.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ACCESSa. Strengthen the partnership between Katzie First Nation and Pitt

Meadows Public Library.b. Increase the profile of the library and its services in the Katzie

community.c. Take an active role in early literacy role modeling for Katzie parents.


Parents as Literacy Supporters (PALS) is an interactive program offered to Katzie First Nation parents and their 3, 4 and 5 year old children. Working together through a number of literacy activities related to early reading and writing, Katzie parents learn ways to support their child’s literacy development at home. Library staff brings books and stories to share with the parents and children. Each child receives a



gift bag that includes a storybook and early-learning materials to continue to build skills at home.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PRIORITYKatzie First Nation, School District 42 Aboriginal Education.

5. OUTCOMESa. The Katzie First Nation children were eager to see the books the

librarian brought.b. The Pitt Meadows Library was recognized as a friendly place for

Katzie First Nation families. c. Aboriginal Education staff commented about the library: “You are a

very positive community influence. If members of the community see a familiar friendly face, then it is easier to make connections.”

d. Children were registered for library cards.e. Katzie First Nation parents were introduced to books that support

their child’s literacy development. f. The expertise and contribution of library staff has been recognized

by community partners.

PRIORITY: COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION

A. SUPPORT FOR FORMAL AND INFORMAL STUDENT LEARNINGClearbrook and Abbotsford Community Libraries, Abbotsford

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITY a. FVRL Value: We value development that invests in the enjoyment,

lifelong learning, literacy, and the vibrant health of communities. b. FVRL Strategic Direction: Plan and provide services and facilities

to enhance the customer experience.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT COLLABORATION AND COOPERATIONa. To increase student usage of space in the Abbotsford Libraries. b. To demonstrate the Clearbrook and Abbotsford Community

Libraries’ role as an integral support to formal learning.c. To actively support individual educational goals for students. d. To promote the Clearbrook and Abbotsford Community Libraries as

key destinations for informal and lifelong learning with resources for personal growth and education for children and teens.




Two small meeting rooms in the Clearbrook Library were upgraded and converted to reservable spaces for group or solo study. More tables were added to study spaces in the Clearbrook Library and zones were designated “quiet” or “group study” to allow for different needs.

Abbotsford Community Library committed and advertised their meeting room as quiet study space on any evening when not in use for programming.

Clearbrook Library reviewed proctoring services in order to increase capability and meet community demand because only a limited number of institutions in the Fraser Valley offer this service. In 2014, over 50 exams were proctored for students from a variety of schools, including from Pacific Coast Early Childhood Education to Okanagan College and Thompson Rivers University. During the 2014 job action involving elementary and secondary teachers, the Clearbrook Library was able to support secondary school students writing exams.

Reading Buddies, a program to assist struggling readers in grades 1 to 4, supports both formal education and personal enjoyment of reading. The program is a collaborative effort between the Clearbrook and Abbotsford Community Libraries and Abbotsford Literacy Matters. In spite of the school job action and the late start to the school year in 2014, elementary school teachers recommended students for the program and there was a modest increase in numbers from about 75 to 80 reader/volunteer pairs.

The Teen Advisory Group created learning opportunities for teen participants which supported both formal and informal learning. Teens helped to create, plan, and run teen programs at the Clearbrook Library, learning valuable life skills and gaining volunteer hours which counted toward high school completion.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPSAbbotsford Community Services, School District #34, City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford Literacy Matters.

5. OUTCOMESa. Reservable and drop-in space for study was increased at both

Clearbrook and Abbotsford Community Libraries. b. Proctoring services at Clearbrook Library were reviewed and

updated in order to meet increased demand from students. c. Reading Buddies, a support program for struggling readers,

expanded.



d. Teen participants in Teen Advisory Group at Clearbrook Library connected with the library and learned leadership and planning skills that benefited both formal and informal educational goals.

B. STAFF BRINGS SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES TO LIFE Mission Library, Mission

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Value: We value development that invests in the enjoyment,

lifelong learning, literacy, and the vibrant health of communities.b. FVRL Value: We seek collaboration and partnerships to maximize

our potential to serve our customers and communities.c. FVRL Strategic Direction: Create an agile organization by

building capacity with FVRL staff. d. FVRL Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with local

government, community and other partners.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT COLLABORATION AND COOPERATIONa. Support small business.b. Provide staff with the tools to assist and improve services to small

businesses.


Supporting small business in Mission was a priority for the Mission staff in 2014. To this end, staff attended focused training on FVRL’s business and employment resources, including a Serving Small Business Workshop and a Skilled Immigrant Workshop. Empowered by their learning, the staff was able to better assist customers with their employment, small business, and market research needs.

Staff met with business groups in the community to further learn of the specific needs of small businesses, and then crafted an introductory letter to new businesses in Mission outlining the services offered by the library. Services included business resources (planning tools, market research, accelerator guides, company profiles, etc.); bookable meeting rooms; free WiFi and other technology including Microsoft Office products; and access to information experts via the Book A Librarian service. Additionally, staff created a display of business resources with an accompanying list for customers to take home or to use at work.



4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITYMission Economic Development Office, Mission Downtown Business Association and Mission Chamber of Commerce.

5. OUTCOMESa. Increased awareness of library services to small businesses by:

(i) sending introductory letters to all new small businesses in the community.

(ii) partnering with the Mission Chamber of Commerce to increase local media coverage ("Use our extensive knowledge for Business Resources", Mission Record, Nov. 14, 2014.).

(iii) creating a display of business resources available in the library, including a list of resources for library customers to take away.

b. Library staff attended targeted business information training, enabling them to give improved services to small businesses.

C. BUILDING INTERFAITH BRIDGESMaple Ridge Public Library, Maple Ridge

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Value: We value and celebrate diversity as integral to an

inclusive, vibrant community.b. FVRL Strategic Direction: Plan and provide services and facilities

to enhance the customer experience.

2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT COLLABORATION AND COOPERATIONa. To attract sections of the public who may not already have a

relationship with the library.b. To advance the library as a space where our diverse community can

be explored and celebrated.c. To form community relationships and encourage new partnerships.d. To promote awareness of related library collections.


The Many Candles: Interfaith Dialogue Series soon will begin its third season at the Maple Ridge Public Library. The program brings together a changing panel of community members from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds to present on a specific theme in the context of their beliefs. Examples of themes from 2014 are Environment, Sacred Texts, Justice and the Concept of “The Soul.”

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An opportunity for discussion and questions follows each presentation. In connection with the program, the Building Interfaith Bridges Project organizes tours of local places of worship. The Islamic Society of Ridge Meadows, which worships regularly in one of the library’s meeting rooms, opened one of its services to the public, and this attracted a great deal of interest among library customers.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITYBuilding Interfaith Bridges Project, Maple Ridge Family Education and Support Centre.

5. OUTCOMESa. The ongoing Many Candles: Interfaith Dialogue Series has

consistently drawn a substantial audience from various religious traditions and also from those who identify as “non-religious” or “spiritual, but not religious.”

b. Feedback from attendees often cites the open, inclusive nature of the series as its most enjoyable aspect, and routinely applauds the library for its willingness to host a program of this kind.

c. Through its connection with the Building Interfaith Bridges Project, the library has formed relationships with religious organizations and with people who are core members of their religious communities. Partnerships also have developed between the interfaith group and a number of the program’s guest speakers.

d. Each session highlights the library’s books and other materials related to the program’s changing theme. These materials are often borrowed by customers at the end of the program.

PRIORITY: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PLANNING

A. SETTLEMENT WORKERS IN OUR LIBRARIES: TELLING OUR STORIES PROGRAM

George Mackie, Ladner Pioneer, and Tsawwassen Libraries, Delta

1. HOW FVRL SUPPORTS PROVINCIAL PRIORITYa. FVRL Value: We value and celebrate diversity as integral to an

inclusive, vibrant community.b. FVRL Strategic Direction: Provide awareness of the changing role

of public libraries.c. FVRL Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with local

government partners.



2. GOALS THAT SUPPORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PLANNING

a. To provide a supportive environment for Delta newcomers to visit, receive settlement services, and learn language and life skills.

b. To provide increased awareness of library and community services and programs.

c. To promote the Delta libraries as a trusted partner agency in our community.

d. To provide opportunities for newcomers to meet and exchange cultural information with resident Canadians.


FVRL’s Delta libraries partner with Progressive Intercultural Services (PICS), Options Community Services, and DiverseCity Community Services to provide space and support to settlement services at our libraries. a. We provide a desk, advertising, and a cooperative atmosphere for

workers who speak Panjabi, Cantonese, and Korean to work two shifts a week at George Mackie Library.

b. We also work directly with PICS to develop and provide a nine-week course for newcomers wishing to improve their English in community settings.

c. Our own library staff also leads a weekly Conversation Circle for clients of the other two programs to share English language learning in an informal environment in order to improve a variety of literacies.

d. This service has been expanded to include a three-times-yearly evening program based on the CBC program, The Flame. Telling Our Stories hosts six to eight newcomers during an evening of storytelling, music, dance and, occasionally, food. Held at the library, this program is well attended (up to fifty each time) by all residents of Delta and provides an informal environment for mutual learning.

4. KEY PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THE PROVINCIAL PRIORITYProgressive Intercultural Services (PICS), Options Community Services, and DiverseCity Community Services; local banks and restaurants, coffee shops, supermarkets, and employment agencies.

5. OUTCOMESa. Program participants share the news of their welcome and

experiences at the Delta libraries. b. Agency staff experiences the services of the library, often for the

first time!



c. Newcomers feel more connected to, and part of, their community.d. The Delta libraries connect community agencies and strengthen

these agencies’ ability to achieve their organizational goals. e. The Delta libraries are seen a valued, trusted and sought after community partner.

f. Increased awareness of the resources and changing roles of the public library.

g. Cross-training for our staff with settlement staff to reduce a duplication of service in Delta.

h. Long-time Delta residents are exposed to differences in culture, geography, and expectation.

SUMMARY

Throughout 2014 Fraser Valley Regional Library kept rigorously focused on transformational change – investigating trends, fostering learning, planning and implementing evolving technologies, exploring and embracing new ways of service delivery. We were intent on being leaders for the changing role of public libraries and we worked hard to raise awareness among customers, communities, and stakeholders about how our libraries offer connections to a world of information and ideas that can transform lives and communities. The challenges are great, yet the opportunities abound, and the rewards of successful achievements are immense and gratifying.

Fraser Valley Regional Library is making invaluable contributions to our communities by taking leadership and serving as a catalyst for community partnerships. We bring support and solutions to socio-economic issues as our communities adapt to the effects of immigration, the changing make-up of families, the marginalized, and our aging populace. In countless ways our libraries help residents and local governments deal with tremendous financial pressures, offer resources and programs that enrich their quality of life, raise literacy levels, bring economic health, promote culture and the arts, celebrate diversity, and extend a helping hand and welcome to everyone.

We have learned that we must continue down this path with boldness. We will continue to stand with our local and provincial governments, joining them in finding and implementing solutions to the challenges that affect us all.

Respectfully Submitted On Behalf Of Fraser Valley Regional LibraryBy Irene Geng, Office of the Chief Executive Officer

[p] 604.859.7141 or 1.888.668.4141 (ext. 7005) or 604.557.4706 (direct) [e] [email protected]

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