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Photo credit: Janelle Jenstad and David Wrate
2016 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD
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CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD MESSAGE FROM THE CEO & BOARD CHAIR We are pleased to introduce the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Report to the Community for 2016. GVPL’s programs, services and resources enrich the lives of citizens of all ages and interests. This report highlights the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers who delivered library service to our 10 member municipalities in 2016, reaching out to residents where they live, work and play. The launch of our five-year Strategic Plan was a significant milestone in 2016. Serving as our road map, the Strategic Plan will guide the Library Board and set direction through 2020. Major accomplishments also included opening our 11th library, the Langford Heritage Branch, and the introduction of OLiVe, GVPL’s new Outreach Library Vehicle. Both delivered on the Board’s commitment to create great library spaces to meet unique user needs and expand the library’s reach. Readers and writers were inspired by GVPL’s second annual Emerging Local Authors program in the spring of 2016. Celebrating Greater Victoria’s rich writing culture, the program featured self-published, independent and small press books by local authors. We were delighted by the overwhelming response to this initiative. The program continues to evolve, and applications are accepted in the fall for the following year’s collection. Once again, GVPL leads with a focus on literacy and lifelong learning. Our library members borrowed the highest number of items, per capita, in the country as measured by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC). The total number of in-person and virtual visits to GVPL increased by six per cent with nearly seven million visits in 2016. Our 2016 Summer Reading Club program reached a record number of more than 8,000 young readers. The addition of our fifth partner, Craigdarroch Castle, to our Culture and Recreation Pass program opened new doors for people of all ages to explore our local history. We strengthened collaboration with local partners to offer multiple services, programs and collections directed to newcomers to help ease their transition into their new environment. Through more than 100 active community partnerships, we succeeded in doing more with more, to benefit the greatest number of library users and community members. We thank our funders and local stakeholders for their support and for sharing our commitment to working together to build inclusive, accessible and welcoming communities in Greater Victoria. And, most importantly, we thank YOU, our library users. We look forward to further engagement with you as we continue to advance our strategic priorities. Kevin Murdoch Board Chair 2016 Maureen Sawa CEO
Would you like to share your library story with others in the community? Email: inspirethefuture@gvpl.ca Phone: 250-940-4875
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CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD COMMUNITY-INSPIRED LIBRARY SERVICE: STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2020 To meet growing community needs in a changing world, the Greater Victoria Public Library Board undertook an extensive public consultation process in 2015 to develop a new fiveyear strategic plan. As a result, GVPL refreshed its Mission, Vision and Values statements and approved four Strategic Priorities for 2016 to 2020. Reflecting the feedback received from our internal and external audiences, nine service goals were identified to inspire and inform how we move forward and how we measure success. Watch our community-inspired service priorities in our Strategic Plan videos ( ). Each one features local leaders and community members sharing their passion for libraries and lifelong learning. We continue to look for your feedback and encourage you to let us know how we are delivering on our priorities. Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can serve you better. Contact us at inspirethefuture@gvpl.ca
2016-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN VIDEOS CREATE great library spaces to meet unique user needs—in person and through our multiple e-service channels. ENGAGE passionate library members, funders and partners to expand the library’s reach and impact. INSPIRE discovery through programs, collections and services that enhance literacy and lifelong learning. LEAD with support for innovative ideas, service models and governance. gvpl.ca/youtube
MISSION: We build community and support literacy and lifelong learning by providing free access to information, space, tools and expertise. VISION: Your place to connect, discover and imagine. VALUES: • Collaboration: We engage and work in partnership to meet community needs. • Inclusiveness: We respect diversity and provide open access for all in welcoming physical and virtual spaces. • Service Excellence: We provide high quality library service that is responsive to the community. • Innovation: We commit to continuous improvement in library service delivery. • Intellectual Freedom: We uphold the Canadian Library Association’s position on intellectual freedom and the equitable access to and exchange of information, ideas and creativity. • Public Accountability: We make transparent decisions that are fiscally sound and measurable. • Sustainability: We deliver reliable and relevant services and remain resilient in times of change. GOALS: 1. DEVELOP local, community-inspired branch plans to increase the accessibility and impact of library services in Greater Victoria. 2. CULTIVATE the development of 21st century skills to bridge the digital divide in Greater Victoria. 3. OFFER new tools and learning opportunities that support the creativity and self-expression of individuals in our community. 4. CONTINUE investing in programs, services and collections for early learning and family literacy. 5. INVEST in new ways to extend the reach of the library beyond existing facilities and traditional venues. 6. INCREASE use and awareness of existing learning opportunities, leisure opportunities and resources the library has to offer. 7. CELEBRATE the unique local talents of the community by providing space, resources and opportunities to build connections. 8. CULTIVATE new supporters and engage existing donors, funders and members who expand the capacity of the library to meet community needs. 9. CREATE opportunities for staff to flourish in their roles through mentorship, leadership development and team building activities.
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CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD SUMMER IS FOR READING The 2016 Summer Reading Club program was the most successful ever! More than 8,000 children registered for the program, an increase of 13 per cent from 2015.
Discover a summer of fun at GVPL!
SRC members were challenged to read 15 to 20 minutes a day, and participants were eligible for incentives such as special stickers and weekly prizes including coupons for pizza, bookmarks, swim passes and books. Children enjoyed reporting on their reading records and sharing stories of their progress when visiting their local library branches. Throughout the summer, SRC celebrity guests visited branches across the system to meet with young readers and their families to celebrate their success in the program. Building upon the theme Book a Trip, a wide range of programs and activities including the Travelling Puppet Show, Paws and Tales, Coding with Scratch, Constructing Comics and Reading Buddies were presented at GVPL locations across the system in July and August. Featuring the expertise and resources of local organizations such as the IslandLink Library Federation, Victoria Bug Zoo, Pacific Animal Therapy Society and many others, this year’s SRC program activities attracted more than 6,100 children and families, who attended more than 340 programs during the summer. Feedback from parents and kids indicated the significant impact the Summer Reading Club program has on maintaining and improving reading skills over the summer months. As one parent stated about the Reading Buddies program, I can’t sing the praises of this program
enough! Our daughter has an older brother
who is a bookworm and has had a different experience
learning to read; she is a little further behind than what
the school would like. Of course she has mentioned
not being “as good as her brother” with reading ... the
activities, journals, art, reading and games provide
her with full enjoyment and confidence building! A
brilliant program!”
Thanks to our wonderful community partners for their support in making SRC 2016 a success.
Leaders are readers: Trustees Zeb King (top) and Karel Roessingh (bottom) join Summer Reading Club participants.
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CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD OPENING OF LANGFORD HERITAGE BRANCH The new Langford Heritage Branch opened in May 2016. GVPL’s newest library is a lively and bright space co-located with Langford Westhills YMCA-YWCA and the Victoria Conservatory of Music at Westhills. On opening day, City of Langford Mayor Stew Young noted that “libraries are key features of thriving, dynamic communities.” We are thrilled to be part of this complex that provides the community with a singular destination to care for mind, body and spirit. Upon entering the Langford Heritage Branch, you’ll see a giant metal bookcase that spells out R-E-A-D. Painted in glossy primary colours, the shelves are stocked with recommended titles put together by staff. Other features of the branch include Wi-Fi, public computers, reading and study areas and the IslandSavings Community Meeting Room. The Langford Heritage Branch’s biggest claim to fame is the Island’s first library vending machine, featuring books and DVDs for adults and kids. It’s accessible 24/7, 365 days a year in the IslandSavings foyer, to satisfy your library craving any time of day or night.
INTRODUCING OLiVe, OUR OUTREACH LIBRARY VEHICLE OLiVe, GVPL’s new branch-on-wheels, hit the road in February 2016. It was formally introduced at a launch ceremony held at Our Place, where GVPL has a long-established outreach program. The Victoria Foundation and the Friends of the Library provided the funding to purchase and equip the new vehicle. Building on the success of GVPL’s Bikemobile program, the specially outfitted van is designed to enable staff to set up pop-up libraries anywhere and anytime. With Wi-Fi access, a laptop, and plenty of reading material, OLiVe has quickly become a popular attraction at community festivals, fairs and other special events. Visitors to OLiVe’s pop-up libraries can borrow or return books, find out more about GVPL and sign up for a library card. With the help of GVPL staff, they can learn to use their mobile devices to read books, listen to music and watch movies. OLiVe has significantly expanded our capacity to work with community partners to increase access to the myriad library resources and services available to them. In 2016, library staff connected directly with the community at numerous special events, fairs, festivals and parades. The following is a list of some of the many venues OLiVe, our Bikemobile and library staff visited in Greater Victoria: Oak Bay Night Market Memorial Park Music Fest in Esquimalt Car Free YYJ Canada Day Celebration at the BC Legislature Goldstream Farmers Market Victoria Pride Festival
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MacDonald Park Author! Author! Literary Festival Highlands Fling Tweed Ride Victoria Metchosin Day Colwood Seaside Festival
Songhees Back To School Literacy Fair Island Equipment Owners Association Lighted Truck Convoy Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade
CREATE • ENGAGE • INSPIRE • LEAD Building upon the successes of 2016, 2017 is a year of exciting new opportunities to further deliver on our Strategic Plan and meet user needs. In 2017, we open the doors to a true virtual branch, gvpl.ca, with a mobile-responsive design to showcase our digital and physical collections. The new website will increase discoverability of the collections, programs and services available to all library users, and includes a convenient new library card application feature. New digital resources, including Lynda.com, will provide GVPL cardholders with access to thousands and thousands of online courses and e-learning videos. The Culture and Recreation Pass program will expand to include the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and other exciting new programming and outreach collaborations will be developed. Work on the new branch in James Bay, scheduled to open in early 2018, will progress as will planning for the relocation of the Esquimalt Branch to the new Esquimalt Town Square. For more information on what’s new and exciting at GVPL, visit gvpl.ca.
The Greater Victoria Public Library Board offers a Statement of Financial Position every year. KPMG Chartered Professional Accountants offer an opinion about the Statement, after an audit. Their positive opinion is available as part of the 2016 GVPL Statement of Financial Information for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2016, which is available here: gvpl.ca/sofi2016
GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD, 2016 CENTRAL SAANICH Councillor Zeb King
OAK BAY Councillor Kevin Murdoch
COLWOOD Councillor Rob Martin
SAANICH Mr. Greg Bunyan Ms. Donna Curtis Councillor Dean Murdock Ms. Karen Potts
ESQUIMALT Councillor Beth Burton-Krahn HIGHLANDS Councillor Karel Roessingh LANGFORD Ms. Gabrielle Goudy Councillor Lanny Seaton
VICTORIA Mr. David Alexander Ms. Deborah Begoray Ms. Roberta Burris Councillor Pamela Madoff Ms. Kathy Santini
METCHOSIN Councillor Moralea Milne
VIEW ROYAL Councillor John Rogers
FRIENDS OF THE GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY In 2016, this dedicated volunteer group raised $30,000 to support GVPL projects and programs such as the new gvpl.ca website and the Summer Reading Club.
Above: Friends of the Greater Victoria Public Library president Irwin Henderson takes part in Summer Reading Club activities with a young reader.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS GVPL would like to thank and acknowledge individuals and organizations who generously gave to the library in 2016. With donor support, we are able to improve and expand our collections, pilot innovative outreach activities and foster the love of reading and discovery in people of all ages. Graham and Diane Aitken David Alexander Kyle Armour Anonymous Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Michael Atkin Annette Barclay Renée Bauert Michael and Sirpa Bell Matthew Boyd Blue Sea Philanthropy British Columbia Library Association Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Justice Roberta Burris Shelley Campbell Canada Helps Kirsten Carlson Carl Cavanagh Bhapinder K. Cheema Jim F. Cliffe Communications and Public Relations Foundation, BC Chapter Courthouse Libraries BC Craigdarroch Castle Crumsby’s Cupcake Cafe CUPE 410 Thomas Curry Barbara De Luca James McDaniel and Susan Dier Jean and Graham Dragushan First Church of Christ, Scientist Friends of the Greater Victoria Public Library Irene Forsberg Jennifer Gait Glenn Powers and Melanie Wong Foundation Estate of Arthur Goldman H.G. Goudy Government of Canada (Young Canada Works) Lyle Grant Greater Victoria Communities fitinfitness.ca Thomas Hackney Paramjit Kaur Haere Elizabeth Harris Fred Heath Robert Hope Cory Horner Katrin Horowitz
Kate Insley IslandLink Library Federation Annie James Chris and Shuen King Gerald and June Klassen Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Education, Libraries Branch Roger Love Keith MacGowan Elizabeth MacPherson Pamela Madoff Maritime Museum of British Columbia Maryan Meadows Kevin Murdoch Nadia Obrigewitsch Cheryl Osborn Orca Book Publishers Panago Pizza Alyssa Polinsky Franklin and Lani Portlock Provincial Employees Community Services Cliona Reeves Robert Bateman Centre Patricia Robertson and The Blue Heron Singers Kerry Robertson Karel Roessingh John Rogers Royal British Columbia Museum Saanich Recreation Maureen Sawa Doris Schuh Kim Stevens William McDowell and Louise Summerhill Tides Canada Foundation Times Colonist Book Drive Megan Tronson United Way of Greater Victoria United Way Toronto and York Region Neil Vallance Victoria Foundation Victoria Women’s Newcomers Club Bruce Keith and Leslie Vermeer Weldon Wiedemayer David Wild Neil Williams Stephen and Jessica Woollard