GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Your place to connect, discover and imagine.
Message from the CEO & Board Chair There are many organizations that help to make Greater Victoria an exceptional place to live. We are proud to describe the Greater Victoria Public Library system as a central hub of activity. Come inside any of our 11 branches and you will discover people reading, learning, talking, playing and engaging with the digital world. We added a new e-branch to extend our services beyond our physical walls. The new gvpl.ca offers a convenient way to visit the library, sign up for a new library card, learn with Lynda.com or explore our catalogue for books, music, movies and so much more. As formats change and the needs of our users evolve, the library will continue to adapt and demonstrate our relevancy in everyday life. We have much to be proud of as a library system. In this report, we have highlighted our accomplishments and our progress of 2017. The Library Board’s 2016-2020 strategic plan continues to provide our strong sense of direction. With more than 100 active partnerships in 10 municipalities, collaboration remains our hallmark. In other words, we build on the strength of our exceptional staff, dedicated Friends of the Library volunteers, library users and library champions. We succeed together by opening minds and helping everyone reach their personal goals. As a member of this community, we thank you for your support, your trust and your pride in your public library.
Rob Martin Board Chair Maureen Sawa Chief Executive Officer
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GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Front row: Maureen Sawa, CEO Second row (l to R): Donna Curtis, Councillor Beth Burton-Krahn, Councillor Karen Burns, Deborah Begoray, Joy Davis, David Alexander Third row (l to R): Gabrielle Goudy, Councillor Kevin Murdoch, Councillor Rob Martin, Kathy Santini, Roberta Burris, Susan Laidlaw Fourth row (l to R): Councillor Zeb King, Councillor Dean Murdock, Matt Boyd, Councillor Geoff Young, Councillor Andy MacKinnon Back row: Councillor Matt Sahlstrom Missing from photo: Councillor John Rogers
2017 GVPL BOARD TRUSTEES CENTRAL SAANICH Councillor Zeb King
METCHOSIN Councillor Andy MacKinnon
COLWOOD Councillor Rob Martin
OAK BAY Councillor Kevin Murdoch
ESQUIMALT Councillor Beth Burton-Krahn
SAANICH Matt Boyd Donna Curtis Susan Laidlaw Joy Davis Councillor Dean Murdock
HIGHLANDS Councillor Karen Burns
VICTORIA David Alexander Deborah Begoray Roberta Burris Kathy Santini Councillor Geoff Young VIEW ROYAL Councillor John Rogers
LANGFORD Ms. Gabrielle Goudy Councillor Matt Sahlstrom
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STRAT EG IC P L AN ACCO MP L I S HME N TS I N 2 017
CREATE Create great library spaces to meet unique user needs – in person and through our multiple e-service channels.
NEW VIRTUAL BRANCH gvpl.ca GVPL launched a new mobile-friendly website, a true virtual branch, that showcases the myriad ways residents of Greater Victoria can read, watch, listen, play, learn, discover and connect through the library. The new website makes it easier than ever for patrons – whether on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer – to learn about collections and e-resources and sign up for hundreds of free programs.
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Key facts and figures
Two weeks after the new website launched, the number of in patrons accessing gvpl.ca by mobile phone or tablet increased by 20 per cent. The average amount of time spent on gvpl.ca increased to 2 minutes and 20 seconds, compared with 46 seconds on the former site.
Almost 65 per cent of the population have active library cards (second highest among Canadian Urban Libraries).
Lynda.com e-learning courses and videos were accessed 28,257 times for a total of 11,160 hours of use since June 2017. Naxos, a streaming music collection, was used 3,499 times with 45,041 tracks down-loaded since October 2017.
Friends of the Library provided $20,000 of funding in support of the website project. GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
ENGAGE Engage passionate library members, funders and partners to expand the library’s reach and impact.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION In partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and with funding from the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a four-part speaker series to advance Truth and Reconciliation was delivered. Our collections and programming were enhanced to further this essential work.
Key facts and figures
650 people participated in the speaker series; 132 people answered our survey; the majority of responses indicated that those who attended the program gained increased awareness of Indigenous issues.
7 curated kits for adults and children featuring Indigenous writers and artists were purchased with funding from the Friends of the Library.
Partnership in Action Reconciliation: Opening the Door to Conversations, was delivered in partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, with funding from the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between the Victoria Foundation and the Government of Canada.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITABLE ACCESS AND INCLUSION • Expanded the French language collection with a grant from Francophone Affairs • Delivered an ongoing series of programs about technologies for patrons with print disabilities • Partnered with Island Health to offer a series for seniors
Key facts and figures
More than 900 people attended programs for and about refugees and newcomers in 2017.
Received a $15,000 donation toward expanding GVPL’s French Collection and gathered input via community consultations. More than 100 partnerships and outreach activities with GVPL continue in key sectors identified in Victoria Vital Signs, e.g. arts and culture, belonging, environmental sustainability, health and wellness.
CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
More materials en français: GVPL surveyed the community for feedback about French materials they would like to see at the library. In response, we heard requests for more books for all ages from authors from Québec, non-fiction books for children and adults, films and CDs from Québec, award-winning fiction translated into French and books for early readers. Thanks to a generous grant from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, we were able to purchase more of these materials for the library in 2017.
World Refugee Day: The theme of Victoria World Refugee Day was “Moving forward together: getting to know our new neighbours.” On June 17, Central Branch hosted a celebration that included activities, food, music by Syrian violinist Sari Alesh, photo exhibits and an opportunity to learn how to use We Speak Translate, a new translation app. GVPL was part of World Refugee Day planning along with the Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria and Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society,
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GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
INSPIRE Inspire discovery through programs, collections and services that enhance literacy and lifelong learning.
READING AND LITERACY GVPL programs, collections and resources enhance individuals’ wellness and quality of life, and support school readiness and community literacy through: • Books for Babies program, funded by the Times Colonist Literacy Society; • BC Summer Reading Club, a program to help kids retain their reading levels over the summer; • Emerging Local Authors Collection to enable the works of local authors to be found in the public library.
Key facts and figures
Each year, 2,000 Books for Babies bags are distributed to new parents. In 2017, survey results showed that only 32 per cent attended a library program before receiving the bags; 78 per cent attended a library program with their babies after receiving the bag.
In 2017, 8,106 children participated in the BC Summer Reading Club, an increase from the previous year. In 2016, 84 per cent of parents who responded to the survey observed that their child’s reading skills were maintained and improved over the summer. Also of note: parents noted their children’s reading scope expanded and their independence increased by participating in BC SRC.
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DIGITAL LITERACY GVPL cultivates the development of 21st century skills in our community. We help to bridge the digital divide by: • Improving Wi-Fi connectivity for library users in branches for patrons using their own devices; • Continuing to offer one-on-one computer coaching programs to assist users with their digital devices; • Expanding our DigiLab equipment through funding from the Friends of the Library. Initial funding for this teen-led technology program was received from the United Way of Greater Victoria.
Key facts and figures
Wi-Fi use increase by 44 per cent in 2017. Library users accessed Wi-Fi 854,426 times from within library branches.
594 people participated in one-on-one computer coaching programs in 2017, demonstrating a continued need and the value of this program for seniors, job seekers and lifelong learners.
In 2017, 38 DigiLab events were held in eight branches with 226 teens attending, doubling the number of attendees in 2016. The majority of teens surveyed stated they felt better prepared to get a job, gained people skills and built confidence as a result of participating in DigiLab programs.
CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS Branches served as venues to showcase the creative works of local artists. We offered joint programming with our partners in the Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum (GLAM) sector to inspire an appreciation of local heritage and culture.
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Key facts and figures
33 art exhibits were hosted at GVPL branches in 2017; we continued our partnerships with Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Community Arts Council.
The Culture and Recreation Pass program expanded from the original four partners to six in 2017 with the inclusion of Craigdarroch Castle and the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
Innovative programs with the Oak Bay and Saanich Archives, Royal BC Museum and Pacific Opera sVictoria attracted over 560 participants at 19 different events in 2017. Some programs were repeated due to popular demand.
GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
LEAD
Lead with support for innovative ideas, service models and governance.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT We are proud of the exceptional contributions of GVPL staff and are committed to their ongoing success. The development of a formalized leadership program for GVPL supervisors began in 2017 to support their leadership role in the organization. GVPL has provided opportunities for staff to participate in and contribute to the library community at the local, provincial and national level.
Key facts and figures
Staff Development Day and the Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference fostered leadership and provided ongoing skill development for staff. We offered these learning experiences in partnership with other local libraries on Vancouver Island. Canada 150 Mosaic: A mural commemorating Canada’s 150th anniversary and the Victoria Foundation’s 80th birthday was unveiled in 2017 to celebrate the Capital Region, its people, its surroundings and its history. It is made up of 864 tiles - each four inches square - painted by Greater Victoria residents. The 8’x12’ mural is on display on the outside of the Waddington Building complex (home of the Central Branch) on Broughton Street. Its design, featuring three Coast Salish-stylized orcas, is by Victoria-based Kwagiulth artist Carey Newman. (L to R) Councillor Kevin Murdoch, Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson, GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa.
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OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
Library Lane Public libraries contribute to the health and vibrancy of their communities, and GVPL is proud to be part of thriving downtown areas. In June, GVPL, the Downtown Victoria Business Association, City of Victoria, Breakwater Realty and the merchants of Fort Street launched Library Lane, a pedestrian corridor connecting Broughton Street with Fort Street. Four original murals, created by GVPL graphic designer Susie Jones, were unveiled by City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
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GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Victoria Community Leadership Awards
L to R: Tracy Kendrick, Adrienne Else, Lisa Hoskins and Susie Jones were recognized on behalf of staff from across GVPL with a Victoria Community Leadership Award for their work supporting the Books for Babies program. Since 2009, the program has distributed thousands of bags to new parents filled with books, music and early learning materials. With the help of Island Health, neighbourhood outreach and funding from the Times Colonist Literacy Society, approximately 2000 bags are provided to families with newborns in Greater Victoria each year.
Jennifer Rowan, GVPL Public Services Coordinator, (seated in photo) and members of the Greater Victoria Community Literacy Initiative organizing team received a Victoria Community Leadership Award. The honour recognized a successful partnership of organizations dedicated to a common goal: to improve literacy support in Greater Victoria. Friends of the Greater Victoria Public Library raised $40,000 in 2017 to enhance the BC Summer Reading Club, to increase Indigenous collections and to deliver technology programs in Greater Victoria.
United Way Labour Partnership Spirit Award GVPL and CUPE Local 410 members were proud to receive the United Way Labour Partnership Spirit Award. “Building community and supporting lifelong learning is an integral part of what we do at the Greater Victoria Public Library,” said GVPL staff member Kate Rutherford. “United Way has the same goal, so it fits nicely into what we are already passionate about. You might say that GVPL, CUPE 410 and United Way are all chapters in the same book!” GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa (left) with CUPE 410 President Helen Hughes GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
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BC Summer Reading Program The 2017 BC Summer Reading Club (BC SRC) attracted a record number of participants with more than 8,000 children registered. Local elected officials took part in the VIP Program, encouraging and rewarding young readers for their efforts across Greater Victoria.
VIP guest Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell congratulates BC Summer Reading Club readers at Nellie McClung Branch.
VIP guest GVPL Trustee/Councillor John Rogers lends a hand (and a hand stamp) for BC Summer Reading Club participants at Central Branch.
City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps shows a young patron the ropes of our new activity panel at Central Branch.
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GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
2017 GVPL BY NUMBERS The Greater Victoria Public Library Board offers a Statement of Financial Position every year. KPMG Chartered Professional Accountants offers an opinion about the Statement, after an audit. Their positive opinion is available as part of the 2017 GVPL Statement of Financial Information for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, which is available here: gvpl.ca/sofi2017
6,659,171 Total Visits 4,197,579 E-visits 2,461,592 In Person
98,223 Total Program Attendance 68,655 Kids 25,579 Adult 3,989 Teen
3,204 Total Programs and Events 2,010 Kids 806 Adult 388 Teen
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THANK YOU GVPL is grateful to the organizations and individuals, and those who wish to remain anonymous, that generously gave in 2017. Thanks to the community’s support, we expanded our collections, upgraded our spaces and provided engaging, free activities that continue to allow people of all ages to connect, discover and imagine.
Donors
Courthouse Libraries BC Donna E. Curtis
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Rosalyn Alexander
First Church of Christ, Scientist
James C. Anderson
Friends of the Greater Victoria Public Library
Annette Barclay
H.G. Goudy
RenĂŠe Bauert
Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
Deborah Begoray
Government of Canada (Young Canada Works)
Michael and Sirpa Bell
Thomas Hackney
Estate of Doreen Mary Bertram
Paramjit Kaur Haere
Matthew Boyd
Fred R.E. Heath
British Columbia Library Association
Kelsey R. Henderson
Karen E. Burns
Robert Hope
Roberta F. Burris
IslandLink Library Federation
Canada Helps
Hannah Jackson
Communications and Public Relations Foundation, BC Chapter
Valerie Johnson
GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Chris King
David Wild
Gerald and June Klassen
Daphne Wood
Vivian Krawitz
Stephen and Jessica Woollard
Roger A. Love
Robert A. Yuen
Keith MacGowan
Gifts In Kind
Andy MacKinnon Alan L. MacLeod
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Elizabeth MacPherson
Belfry Theatre
Pamela Madoff
Craigdarroch Castle
Maryan Meadows
Crumsby’s Cupcake Café
Cheryl E. Osborne Lani and Franklin Portlock Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education, Libraries Branch
Greater Victoria Active Communities Maritime Museum of British Columbia Orca Book Publishers
Province of British Columbia, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Panago Pizza
Provincial Employees Community Services Fund
Royal British Columbia Museum
Cliona Reeves
Saanich Parks and Recreation
Robert Bateman Centre
Kerry Robertson Tanja Rosteck
Gifts to Honour Others
Severina Santa Serena Santarossa Kathy Santini
Diane Anderson from Doreen E. Edwards
Maureen Sawa
Holland Gidney and Dave Campbell from Lucy Waldo
Michael W. Sheehan
Finn Herriot from Ana K. Manderson
Mary V. Smith
David Jones from Philip and Janet Illingworth
Roxanne Smith
Frances Large from Jennifer Rogers
Caron Somers Estate of Brian Strawbridge Reta Irene Sutherland Times Colonist Literacy Society Michael Tuckey United Way of Greater Victoria
Robert and Onerva Grant from Lyle K. Grant Kazmira Roberts from Ron and Judith Sweet and Maria Yewchuck Joyce Smith from Joy A. Davis Doreen Truelson from Robert Lewis Truelson
United Way Toronto and York Region Victoria Foundation
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“Thank you so much to all who helped me to be a better parent and who helped my son grow into an engaged teen. Our lives would never have been as rich without the GVPL.� Story shared in 2017 via gvpl.ca
Contact: 250-940-4875 Share Your Story: gvpl.ca/story