Okanagan Regional Library Board Highlights from February 19th, 2014
Vernon Branch Update
On February 10th a pipe burst in the unheated book drop of the Vernon branch. Book drops are not heated because of the high cost to do so with openings to the outdoors and limited library budgets. The pipe was insulated, but apparently this was not sufficient for the rapid freeze and thaws that occurred at that time. Restoration crews were scrambled as soon as the leak was discovered, and are attempting to fast-track the required repairs.
The Vernon branch is the busiest branch in the Okanagan, and we are very much aware that the break in service is hard on the public. Please be aware that branch staff care about library patrons, and have been taking extraordinary measures to establish even a limited service, while maintaining patron safety until a path can be established to the second floor to enable people to use the branch’s collections.
Currently, patrons can pick up holds and drop off returns in the foyer of the library in a modified open schedule. At this time no firm date has been given for providing access to the second floor, but as soon as this is known, the ORL will alert media outlets. Updates will also be posted on the ORL website, Facebook and Twitter. The Vernon media have been extremely helpful in spreading information to patrons.
Board Elections
As per the Library Act, elections were held for key positions on the ORL board. The following have been elected for the 2014 term:
Catherine Lord – Chair
Maria Besso – Vice Chair
Lori Mindnich – Finance Committee Chair
Marilyn Harkness – Personnel Committee Chair
Maria Besso – Policy and Planning Committee Chair
The board wishes to thank outgoing chair Carol Zanon, councillor from the District of West Kelowna, and ve-chair Jim Edgson of the Regional District of Central Okanagan for their service over the past year.
Okanagan Reads for Kids
Okanagan Reads for Kids Valley-Wide Book Club for kids aged 8 to 15 is well underway. This year’s chosen author is Julie White from Armstrong. Julie has written four books for boys and girls centered around horses. Almost 500 circulations of the books have already occurred. In addition to reading the books, young people will have the opportunity to attend 31 programs featuring a number of guest speakers ranging from jockeys to large animal veterinarians. Julie White is also doing 11 author readings throughout the region. There are four contests running with some great prizes. Details are available at www.okanaganreads.ca.
New Integrated Library System
The board received a report from the Integrated Library System Committee about the process of selection of a new vendor to provide an integrated library system. The successful vendor was Polaris. The committee based their decision on a number of factors including usability by the public, efficiency for staff and cost. Phase two, which includes a training component for staff and transition from the former system, will begin over the next months.