Libraries branch2014Provincial Library Grants Report

Introduction:

The Trail & District Public Library serves a population of just over 9,000 residents from the City of Trail and the Village of Warfield.

  • We contribute to making our library a community hub by being open to all. Every member can access the collections, programs and services without charge. Community members show strong support for our preschool and after school programs that encourage early literacy and creative thinking.
  • The demographics of Trail are as follows: 51%, 25 to 64 years; 25%, 65+ years; 13%, 0 to 14 years; and 11%, 15 to 24 years (Statistics Canada, Census 2011).
  • Teck Resources Ltd., a metals and mining company, is the region’s largest employer with a working population heavily geared to the trades. Trail is also home to the largest hospital in the West Kootenay region and the head office of the Kootenay Boundary Regional District.
  • Challenges our library and community face include fundraising to support the current operating budget and for the projected operating budget of our new facility. The new facility will help resolve space and accessibility issues. Another challenge is to increase opportunities for staff training and development.
  • Three goals we are pursuing are (1) to help children become fluent readers and creative thinkers, to engage youth (2) to provide residents with an accessible and comfortable place enjoy our collections, and to serve as venue where citizens connects with their community, (3) to expand residents’ knowledge and use of essential skills services.
  • Our library does not have a current strategic plan. The Director at Trail & District Public Library during 2014 preferred a different approach—an annual action plan built on observations, using a dynamic model, and a customer-centric approach.

The BC Government Provincial Priorities, Goals, Programs and Services, partnerships for 2014:

B.C. Government priority one – A focus on equitable assess

  • The Trail & District Library (TDPL) is committed to meeting the needs of all potential users including underserved members of the community such as seniors and those with developmental and physical challenges as well as enhancing the experience for all members of the community.
  • TDPL operating hours are: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. five days per week and 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
  • TDPL has Daisy Readers, which we sometimes loan to our neighbouring community, Rossland’s Library.
  • Access to government documents is available to all through eleven public access computers.
  • TDPL continues to increase database subscriptions enabling members to access diverse resources, e-books and e-magazines. For those who prefer print versions, we maintain subscriptions to over 80 magazines and add approximately 450 books per month.
  • Monies allocated to a new library through a successful referendum, will offer greater accessibility for those with mobility difficulties. With additional square-footage, the TDPL will have a more versatile design to allow for program development for all library users. Our vision is that the new facility will act as a community hub and initiate a much needed revitalization for our downtown core.

B.C. Government priority two – Increased connections and supports for education transformation and the BC Jobs Plan

  • The Trail & District Library (TDPL) offers proctoring services for those taking online courses and exam invigilation.
  • TDPL has eleven public work stations with free internet connection. Those working on courses are given extended time to complete their work.
  • Assistance is available accessing government websites.
  • The Library Intern program enabled the production of informational packets and the disseminated though handouts, the website and FaceBook. Regular staff undertook training and sessions were offered to the public in accessing databases and e-products.

B.C. Government priority three – A focus on collaboration and cooperation between libraries and other partners

  • The Trail & District Library (TDPL) is a member of the Kootenay Library Federation, the British Columbia Library Association and the Canadian Library Association.
  • TDPL staff attended conferences organized by the above groups; to network, update knowledge and gain inspiration from colleagues in the library field.

B.C. Government priority four – Accountability and transparency

  • The Trail & District Library (TDPL) conducted as successful campaign that outlined the goals for a new facility. The community passed a referendum in November 2014 to acquire the necessary funding to build a new library.
  • TDPL will continue to engage the community for input for the design of the new facility that will also house the Trail Museum.
  • TDPL has a new webpage to disseminate information.
  • Library Policies have been reformatted and are updated, or are on a schedule for updating, and have been mounted for the use by staff, Library Board and any interested member of the public.
  • TDPL has a new Facebook page where we interact with the community, posting new ideas, information, program promotion and celebrations.

B.C. Government priority five – Community engagement and planning

  • One goal from our action plan was to help children become fluent readers and creative thinkers. We were successful in achieving this goal as is evident by the attendance numbers: (1) Preschool children from birth to age five attend our very popular programs every week with parents and caregivers and are exposed to early literacy activities that benefit both children and adults (2) Parents, caregivers and children ages 3 to 5 are given the opportunity to engage in at least 20 hours per month of interactive time together in the library; (3) Children’s programmers from the library visit daycares and community organizations to expand our knowledge and use of community programs and resources; (4) Children ages 5 to 9 years are being given the opportunity to attend after school programs at the library and in a local elementary school; (5) Children attending the after school program at the library experience playing with technology and Makers from the community to learn creative thinking and build connections between children and the community. Walking into the library or elementary school during any one of these programs you will find 10 to 20 or more children with parents, caregivers, or Makers reading, singing, working, or playing together. These programs were a success in 2013 with one desirable outcome being a significant in increase in the number of new resident library memberships.
  • Core weekly programs offered that align with the priority include: Mother Goose Singing and Rhyming for children ages newborn to 2; Creative ABCs for children ages 3 to 5; Story Time in the Community for children ages 3 to 9; After School at Webster for children ages 5 to 8; and Maker Space Tool Time for children ages 7 to 9.
  • Partnerships that support the priority include the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) and the Kootenay Library Federation (KLF). CBAL is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2011 to promote literacy and lifelong learning throughout the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions. CBAL partners with the Library to offer Mother Goose Singing and Rhyming and After School at Webster. Both of these programs are delivered by two staff, one from CBAL and one from the Library. The KLF supports programming for children by offering programming theme boxes, a children’s author visit as part of their annual author tour, and a children’s entertainer during our participation in the BCLA Summer Reading Club.

Summary

The Trail & District Library had a substantial changeover of personnel in 2014; the departure of the Library Director in October being one of the challenges.The changes have brought opportunities as well as challenges. The continuity of past goals has been a challenge, especially in the light of greater emphasis on gaining community support, for the referendum to build a new library and museum complex. The Library Board members were actively engaged in promotion and communication of possibilities. Their successful result enables new opportunities for them, the public and the new Director.