2019 ANNUAL REPORT G R E AT E R V I C T O R I A PUBLIC LIBRARY
Message from the Board Chair & CEO
Writing this message in 2020, we find it impossible to review last year’s achievements without acknowl-
edging the current and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful that the GVPL Board of Trustees and staff members laid a strong foundation for flexible service delivery in 2019, well before COVID struck. Greater Victoria Public Library has become an even greater force for good during this difficult time.
Bridging the digital divide featured prominently in our work in 2019. Staff created and led programs for
all ages with a focus on technology and digital learning, and met with thousands of patrons one-on-one, helping them learn to navigate online resources like the Lynda.com learning platform and Naxos Music Library. We also expanded our ebook and e-audiobook collections, and saw digital usage rise significantly.
In 2019, GVPL continued to boast one of the highest per capita borrowing statistics in Canada of both
digital and physical resources. Library staff delivered GVPL services outside our doors. We reached tens of thousands of people at community events and by partnering with First Nations, local organizations, and schools throughout the region. GVPL’s community focus helped us to engage with people who may have not used the library in a long time. Our enthusiastic staff members continually introduced new library users to our offerings to help everyone in our communities to learn and grow.
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In addition to making an impact in Greater Victoria, 2019 saw GVPL Trustees and staff in demand to
represent public libraries across Canada and the United States. GVPL demonstrated leadership by contributing to international conversations about the power of libraries and their ability to transform communities in so many ways. Our community-inspired library model is renowned for supporting community health, job readiness and social inclusion. GVPL was also the recipient of a prestigious international prize, the American Library Association’s John Cotton Dana Award, for excellence in library public relations. Together, we are changing minds and inspiring individuals across Greater Victoria.
Like many public libraries, Greater Victoria Public Library has been asked many times about the relevance
of libraries in the digital age, and 2019 was no different. We have always proudly answered this question with examples of our contributions to lifelong learning and the many ways we transform communities.
We are living through a challenging time, with impacts that communities will face for years to come.
For centuries, libraries have shown their resilience and their ability to adapt to meet the needs of people in different times and places. Thanks to our donors, supporters, volunteers, partners and patrons, we will offer life-changing library services to support everyone through this experience. We know, as you do, human connections matter most. GVPL is here to nurture these connections and to be part of the new reality we face together.
Dr. Deborah Begoray
Maureen Sawa
Board Chair
Chief Executive Officer
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GVPL established itself as a library leader in 2019 with innovative ideas, community-inspired
Association, Ontario Library Association, the Pacific Northwest Library Association and the BC Library
service and a commitment to strong governance
Association. Of particular interest was GVPL's
and advocacy for libraries that led to opportunities
renowned community-inspired service model,
to showcase the work of the library locally,
which places patrons’ needs at the forefront and
nationally and internationally.
groups services at the library into pillars that are divided into portfolios (e.g., arts and culture,
Board trustees and CEO Maureen Sawa
participated in a number of special events and
diversity, creative technology), each one led by a librarian with subject-matter expertise.
displays that shone a spotlight on B.C. public libraries. Notably, they attended the Union of BC
Municipalities conference held in September and
completed a three-year project to create a new
The Collections and Technical Services team
delivered a presentation about libraries as part of
list of Indigenous subject headings and replaced
critical infrastructure.
more than 700 terms on 8,000 titles in the GVPL catalogue.
Staff at all levels were in-demand speakers
and delivered an unprecedented number of conference
presentations nationally and internationally including
as Change Your Mind – was also recognized on the
sessions at conferences held by the American Library
international stage. In June, Change Your Mind won
GVPL’s strategic marketing campaign – known
Board trustees (left to right): Kathy Santini, Councillor John Rogers (View Royal) and Joy Davis attend the opening of the
with support for innovative ideas, service models and governance
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sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch in May 2018.
the John Cotton Dana Award, a prestigious international prize celebrating outstanding public relations initiatives at libraries around the world. The award, provided in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation, the American Library Association and EBSCO, came with a 10,000 USD prize. Change Your Mind centres on five “brain types” – adventurous, creative, curious, healthy and hungry – presented in friendly graphics that entice people to use the library with a dual message: change your mind about what you think you know about libraries, and change your mind literally through the library’s resources – ideas, information and inspiration.
To help develop leaders at all levels of the organization, GVPL launched its own leadership development
training program; the first cohort graduated in 2019. Participants attend sessions presented by internal and external facilitators designed to build leadership and supervisory skills, support staff to reach their professional goals and help GVPL plan for future growth. The leadership program will be offered again next year.
Highlights GVPL represented B.C. libraries
GVPL represented public
opportunity it co-founded in
at a session of the Legislative
libraries at BC Book Day at the
2015 with the libraries of the
Assembly during which Education
BC Legislature, hosting a booth
University of Victoria and
Minister Rob Fleming proclaimed
with the BC Library Association.
Camosun College.
Public libraries across B.C. used
As member of the South Island
Two GVPL staff members
this opportunity to raise aware-
Prosperity Project (SIPP), GVPL
were accepted into the 2019
ness about the diverse and
established the library as a
cohort of the Library Leaders
evolving roles libraries play
contributor to economic sustain-
Excellence and Development
in our communities.
ability in our community.
Canada (LLEAD) program, and
October to be BC Library Month.
one staff member continued her Board trustees participated in
GVPL hosted a meeting and
participation in the Canadian
a strategic priority retreat at
strategic planning session of the
Urban Library Council (CULC)
the University of Victoria that
IslandLink Library Federation at
Public Library Leaders program.
included opportunities for
the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay
learning, engagement and
Branch in October. Participants
development.
included representatives from Alert Bay, Powell River and Salt
GVPL held its ninth annual Staff
Spring Island libraries and GVPL
Development Day in June with a
board trustees and staff.
program of speakers and workshops to support staff engage-
For the fifth year, GVPL was
ment, increase collaboration and
a lead organization of the
inform service delivery.
Vancouver Island Library Staff
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
88,567 60,064 KIDS 26,918 ADULTS 1,717 TEENS
Conference – a learning
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discovery through programs, collections and services that enhance literacy and lifelong learning.
Bridging the digital divide featured prominently in GVPL’s 2019 programming, with learning opportunities
in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Discovery Labs fostered preschoolers’ interest in science and helped them to develop numeracy skills; pre-coding for school-aged kids allowed young learners to delve into the basics of computational thinking; and DigiLab programs for teens explored virtual reality and robotics with Ozobots, a programmable robot.
Adults also expanded their technology skills with virtual reality petting zoos that introduced curious
patrons to technologies for learning and play. Furthermore, 630 adults took part in computer and technology programs, and an additional 380 individuals worked one-on-one with a librarian to answer their technology questions and learn how to use GVPL’s digital collections and resources.
In addition, GVPL offered a myriad of programs to inspire creativity and lifelong learning, including
languages, gardening and Bollywood dancing. The new Stay and Play series for pre-school children included
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curated kits and activities to support the development of early literacy skills such as singing, talking, reading, writing and playing.
Highlights Registration for the BC Summer
records for films, movies and
Connection Westshore during
Reading Club at GVPL set a new
TV shows to help patrons more
Family Literacy Week in January.
record: 9,050 children under 12
easily locate TV series, documen-
The event won first place in 2019
participated.
taries, French- and world-
for Best Community Literacy
language items shelved in their
Event in B.C., a prize awarded
own sections for easy browsing.
by Decoda Literacy Solutions, a
CloudLibrary, our ebook and
province-wide non-profit that
e-audiobook platform, released an updated app in March, which
The fifth Emerging Local
supports literacy programs and
contributed to record borrowing
Authors Collection included 80
practitioners.
rates. July and August saw more
authors; their 100 works, includ-
than 43,500 checkouts each,
ing print and digital books, fea-
GVPL’s Books for Babies
and yearly circulation through
tured content for all ages in all
program received a grant from
CloudLibrary increased by 18 per
genres and will be on display at
the Times Colonist Literacy
cent from 2018.
the Central Branch for one year.
Society to provide a literacy kit to 2,750 newborns in Greater
GVPL improved access to DVDs
The Juan de Fuca Branch par-
Victoria in 2019. Kits consisted of
and Blu-rays by creating new
ticipated in a literacy event with
a reusable bag containing a book,
categories in the catalogue
local organization Your Literacy
music CD and literacy resources for families and were distributed to new parents with assistance
GVPL Librarian Carl Cavanagh with an Emerging Local Author at the collection launch event in the Central Branch courtyard, May 2019.
from Island Health.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
2,862 1,684 KIDS 1,119 ADULTS 59 TEENS
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great library spaces to meet unique user needs – in person and through our multiple e-service channels.
In addition to supporting
patrons inside our 12 physical branches, GVPL staff brought the library to the community, offering pop-up services at public events in Greater Victoria. In total, we connected with more than 29,000 attendees at 530 events, including 31 community markets, block parties and festivals from Metchosin to the Saanich Peninsula. Day or night, GVPL was in the community storytelling, checking out materials and promoting digital collections to access all day, every day.
GVPL’s twelfth branch,
sxweŋxwəŋ
təŋəxw James Bay
Branch, celebrated its one-year anniversary in May. Located behind the BC Legislature in the Capital Park Development, the branch is the second in the City of Victoria and is the first branch in the GVPL system with an Indigenous name – sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw is the Lekwungen name for the James Bay area – which was selected by the city through a public naming process.
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At a small gathering held for the branch’s anniversary, GVPL
unveiled a new piece of art created by former City of Victoria Artist in Residence Luke Ramsey. Ramsey led regular art programming for children at the branch and incorporated the students’ artwork into a large piece that includes four illuminated hangings visible from inside the library and from the street. See photo on page 8.
sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch has been a welcome addition
to the James Bay neighbourhood, serving as a destination for dozens of local organizations, artists and writers. In 2019, GVPL launched family storytime programs at the branch. The branch welcomed an average of 15,500 visitors every month in 2019.
Highlights The Food Eco District (FED)
support the health and rights
expanded their urban learning
of sex workers, provided a two-
garden in the courtyard of the
day Trans ID clinic at the
Central Branch with the addition
sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay
of a pollinator garden. It includes
Branch to help people legally
signage to support individual
change their names and gender
learning, a complement to
markers. The clinic was free for
programs delivered by Life-
participants.
Art produced in a GVPL program by local children and Luke Ramsey, former City of Victoria Artist in Residence.
Cycles Project Society and Master Gardeners, in partner-
Led by Luke Ramsey, former
ship with GVPL.
City of Victoria Artist in Residence, Sketchy Thursdays
Zine Daze: A Zine and Art Fair
encouraged artists of all skill
drew local and international
levels to join a creative com-
enthusiasts to the Central Branch
munity and build their body of
courtyard from as far away as
work. The weekly drop-in group sxweŋxwəŋ
Dawson City, Toronto, Portland
was held at
and Seattle to share and
James Bay Branch.
təŋəxw
VISITS
6,307,666 3,890,520 E-VISITS 2,417,146 IN-PERSON
create zines – self-published mini magazines usually produced
GVPL implemented Microsoft
in small batches by hand.
Office 365 software for staff, which provided additional
The PACE Society and Peers
tools for collaboration and
Victoria Resources Society, two
teambuilding.
OUTREACH 529 EVENTS 28,955 ATTENDANCE
non-profit organizations that
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passionate library members, funders and partners to expand the library’s reach and impact.
Partnerships are key to GVPL’s strategy to
Tsawout First Nation Cultural Elder in Residence pro-
expand the library’s reach and introduce new
gram, which allowed the Elder to share her cultural
people to the benefits of using the library.
knowledge and increase awareness of Indigenous ways and the importance of their languages.
Collaborations with local First Nations continued
to build relationships and supported shared liter-
acy goals. GVPL participated in the summer camp
through the BC Settlement and Integration Services
at the Songhees Wellness Centre and Kwum Kwum
program, developed in partnership with Victoria
Lelum’s homework club. We also hosted several
Immigrant Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS). The
Indigenous programs at library branches, including
three-year program launched in April 2018 and
Tsawout First Nation’s stories and crafts, which
positioned GVPL as a community hub for people
included components in SENĆOŦEN, the language of
new to Greater Victoria. Programming took place in
the Saanich people. GVPL also supported the
six GVPL branches, helping support the social and
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GVPL’s support for newcomers expanded
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economic integration of newcomers to the province, particularly those who are not eligible for federal settlement services. Language training, business development support and workshops on employment, finances and library services were delivered with an attendance of 2,800. Funding is provided by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology.
TOTAL CARD HOLDERS
156,901
152,512 RESIDENT CARDHOLDERS (47% OF POPULATION) 23,977 CHILD (0-13) CARDHOLDERS
In June, the inaugural One eRead Canada/Un
livrel Canada initiative, presented by the Canadian Urban Library Council, launched a national discussion about Dawn Dumont’s book of short stories, Glass Beads. GVPL staff helped organize the new initiative, participated in online programming and contributed to the national conversation about the book while promoting our digital collections. More than 230 GVPL card holders borrowed Glass Beads.
TOTAL INTERNET SESSIONS
743,166
224,508 PUBLIC COMPUTER SESSIONS (229,156 HOURS OF USE) 518,658 WIRELESS SESSIONS
NEW LIBRARY CARD REGISTRATIONS
17,357
2,193 CHILDREN’S CARDS 14,658 ADULT CARDS 506 TEEN CARDS
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Anna Walkus, Tsawout First Nation Elder, tells children stories about the importance of salmon and teaches words and phrases in SENĆOŦEN.
Threads and James Bay New Horizons allowed GVPL to host expert-led sessions. A two-day Health Coach training course supported seniors and people living with chronic health issues, and seniors’ resource information sessions helped reduce social isolation. GVPL’s relationship with the Victoria Film Festival expanded to include workshops and hands-on virtual reality sessions at the Central Branch during the festival month in February. GVPL participated in the Phone It Forward campaign, a partnership between the CNIB Foundation and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, of which GVPL is a member. The program is a new initiative that provides refurbished smartphones, donated by individuals and corporations, to Canadians with sight loss. Libraries across Canada served as collection points for the donated phones;
Highlights GVPL’s partnership with the Victoria Festival of Authors included six programs and workshops for children and tweens with Canadian authors Monique Gray Smith, Kari Jones, Richard van Camp, Sara Cassidy and Sean Rodman.
GVPL collected more than 250 devices last year. GVPL worked with local non-profit organizations to offer Trans ID clinics at the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay and Central branches to help people legally change their names and gender markers free of charge, thanks to PACE Society, Peers Victoria Resources Society and the University of Victoria’s chapter of Pro Bono Students Canada.
Collaboration with over 50 local organizations such as the BC Black History Awareness Society, Community Living BC, Victoria Conservatory of Music and Youth Services Provider Network helped individuals and families access community information, programming and resources. Through these partnerships, organizations enhanced their capacity to serve larger audiences.
BORROWED ITEMS
5,611,017
4,417,936 PHYSICAL ITEMS 1,193,081 DIGITAL ITEMS
Partnerships with the University of Victoria’s
(CELA included)
Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, Silver
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Q&A with Friends of the Library President, Irwin Henderson Irwin Henderson began working
website and social media. We do this to make a great library system
with the Friends of the Library
even better, and we promote the library in the community through
in 2012, as a representative of
fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy.
the Board of Trustees of the Greater Victoria Public Library.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about the
Since 2015, he has served as
Friends? We are very close to having raised a million dollars since 1999.
president of the Friends, leading the enthusiastic volunteer group
What contributions did the Friends make in 2019? In support of GVPL,
as it holds several yearly used
we funded Indigenous Reads displays at all 12 branches and the BC
book sales and runs the Friend-
Summer Reading Club, which had more than 9,000 kids participate. We
shop at the Central Branch.
also helped purchase more ebooks and e-audiobooks, and contributed
Funds raised are invested into
funds for digital technologies at the new Esquimalt Branch, now under
GVPL, to enhance programming
construction. In total, we donated $48,000. For the Friends’ organisa-
and services for the community.
tion, it was also a very good year. We had four book sales, and with the proceeds from the Friendshop plus memberships, raised $50,000. We
Why did you choose to join the
welcomed new members to our Board and said goodbye and thank you
Friends of the Library? Libraries
to those retiring. We had more volunteers and memberships than the
have been part of my life from
year before, and we introduced online registration for our volunteers.
day one. My grandmother was a librarian, and my wife is one
Can you share the title of a book you’ve enjoyed recently? Play it Again:
as well. I believe the library is a
An Amateur Against the Impossible by Alan Rusbridger. The editor of
necessary and vital community
The Guardian newspaper recounts in his book the story of how he
institution. They are free, and
practised and later performed a very hard Chopin piano piece.
they make the world accessible, whether you want to learn things to develop or entertain yourself. As a fellow Friend volunteer put it, “You have to support what you love.” What common vision unites the Friends? Supporting the library. Our great Board and teams of volunteers are busy running book sales, getting memberships, raising money, staying
Left to right: GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa with Hon. Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier, and Irwin Henderson, president of the Friends, at the opening of the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch in May 2018.
connected with a newsletter,
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Community Leaders Back row left to right: Matt Sahlstrom, Karel Roessingh, Matthew Boyd, Andrew Appleton, Bob Beckett Second row: Andy MacKinnon, Zeb King, John Rogers, Jane Vermeulen, Elysia Glover, Joy Davis, Front row: Karen Harper, Doug Kobayashi, Maureen Sawa and Deborah Begoray Missing from photo: Tzu-I Chung, Donna Curtis, Susan Laidlaw, Jeremy Loveday and Kathy Santini
2019 Greater Victoria Public Library Board, Appointees by Municipality Central Saanich
Metchosin
Victoria
Councillor Zeb King
Councillor Andy MacKinnon
Deborah Begoray
Colwood
Oak Bay
Councillor Doug Kobayashi
Councillor Andrew Appleton
Esquimalt
Saanich
Councillor Jane Vermeulen
Matthew Boyd
View Royal
Donna Curtis
Councillor John Rogers
Highlands
Elysia Glover Tzu-I Chung Kathy Santini Councillor Jeremy Loveday
Susan Laidlaw
Councillor Karel Roessingh
Joy Davis Councillor Karen Harper
Langford Bob Beckett Councillor Matt Sahlstrom
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2019 Donors GVPL would like to acknowledge the organizations, individuals and those that wish to remain anonymous who generously gave in 2019. Thanks to the community's support, we expanded our collections, upgraded our spaces and provided engaging, free activities for people of all ages to connect, discover and imagine. Gordon Alexander
Jeremy Loveday
Bateman Foundation
James Anderson
Alan MacLeod
Belfry Theatre
Lucas Ashland
Elizabeth MacPherson
Blenkinsop Valley Golf Centre
Rouxanne Audy
Pamela Madoff
Boulders Climbing Gym
William Baker
Corinne Mah
Canadian Mental Health Association
Annette Barclay
Paul McKinnon
CanCode
RenĂŠe Bauert
Rance Yan Ki Mok
City Centre Park
Deborah Begoray
John Neal
Craigdarroch Castle
Michael Bell
Cheryl Osborn
Fairway Market
Estate of Chantal Berard
PayPal Giving Fund Canada
Flying Squirrel
Estate of Doreen Mary Bertram
Greater Victoria Active Communities
Matthew Boyd
Provincial Employees Community Services Fund
Karen Burns
Kira Reynolds
Roberta Burris
Noel Robb
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
CanadaHelps
Patricia Robertson
Island Health
Canadian Council of Archives
Karel Roessingh
James Bay New Horizons
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 410
John Rogers
LifeCycles Project
Tanja Rosteck
Charities Aid Foundation Canada
Rotary Club of the West Shore
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Chimp: Charitable Impact Foundation (Canada)
Kathy Santini
Pacific Opera Victoria
Maureen Sawa
Panago Pizza
Diane Cliffe
Estate of Mary Shelton
Royal British Columbia Museum
Courthouse Libraries BC
Robert Showers
Silver Threads Service for Seniors
Donna Curtis
Ana Simeon
Nicola Davidson
Rosemary Snead
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Canada: West
Joy Davis
Estate of Brian Strawbridge
Friends of the Library
Reta Irene Sutherland
Estate of Frank Godwin
Times Colonist Literacy Society
Lyle Grant
Molly Toh
Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
United Way of Greater Victoria
Thomas Hackney
Victoria Foundation
GIFTS TO HONOUR OTHERS
Erica Westbrook
Joyce Smith from Joy Davis
Jessica and Stephen Woollard Myron Wu
Pamela Madoff from the Canadian Club of Victoria
Robert Yuen
Margaret Windle from Jack Windle
United Way Toronto and York Region
Pam Haere Fred Heath Suzanne Helston IslandLink Library Federation Leah Jackson Annie James Shuen King Gerald Klassen Roger and Judith Love
Historic Joy Kogawa House Society
Telus World of Science University of Victoria Victoria Arts Council Victoria Butterfly Gardens Western Speedway
GIFTS IN KIND Amnesty International Victoria Art Gallery of Greater Victoria AVI Health and Community Services
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735 Broughton Street Victoria, BC, V8W 3H2 250-940-4875
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