PROVINCIAL LIBRARY GRANTS REPORT 2015RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY

INTRODUCTION

Richmond Public Library is very grateful to Libraries and Literacy, Ministry of Education for the provincial support we receive, allowing us to further our mandate of providing essential resources for the education and empowerment of our community members. Serving all our residents and in particular, new Canadians, youth, job seekers and the tech-curious, and ensuring that they have the educational and literacy tools to thrive, will guarantee a brighter future not only for our community but for our province as well. By working collaboratively with other libraries and community partners, we are able to leverage shared resources to offer high quality services. By providing excellent print and digital resources as well as cutting edge technologies, and facilitating community building and collaborative learning, the library will be propelled into its next inspiring incarnation. Richmond Public Library appreciates the support from Libraries and Literacy to realize these goals.

DESCRIPTION OF RICHMOND

Richmond is a unique and ethnically diverse community with a large immigrant population, many of whom place a very high value on education and learning. As a result, the library plays a central role in their lives. Transformed from a rural community to an international city, Richmond continues to develop its downtown core and waterfront areas. However, despite the rapid changes Richmond has seen, the community continues to place a high priority on protecting the natural environment and preserving its heritage.

RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY: THE COMMUNITY HUB

Richmond Public Library is a leader in offering creative, customer-driven and customer-led services for adults and children. Our focus is on providing innovative and collaborative opportunities for lifelong learning, and easy access to services. Library members can enjoy books, eBooks, digital resources, movies, downloadable newspapers, magazines and music at our four branches, seven days a week. We even have 3D printers for members to use. With a broad range of programs for all ages, reading lounges, and collaborative study space for students, Richmond Public Library is one of the city’s busiest community facilities. The library’s commitment to diversity is strong, and we are a recognized leader in the area of community-based services for immigrants, in particular, the large Chinese community.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF RICHMOND

As a dynamic, multi-ethnic community with an estimated population of 213,8911 Richmond is a thriving urban centre. According to the National Household Survey from Statistics Canada (2011) 59.6% of Richmond’s population is immigrants, and of that number 84.2%2 are of Asian ancestry. Newcomers have contributed significantly to the diversity and vibrancy of the City of Richmond.

1 City of Richmond, Population Hot Facts http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Population_Hot_Facts6248.pdf2 Statistics Canada, National Household Survey for Richmond, BC http://tinyurl.com/kgh5enn

CHALLENGES FACED BY RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY AND OUR COMMUNITY

The biggest challenges the library faces are: transforming the library into a learning hub as well as a creative space for collaborative learning and teaching; keeping up with library users’ increasing digital needs; demands for study space; ensuring that the library remains a community gathering place; refocusing our traditional library services and collections to meet the needs of 21st century users; and meeting the multicultural needs of our diverse community, all the while preserving the fundamental value of books and reading.

STRATEGIC PLAN AND LIBRARY GOALS

For more information, please see Richmond Public Library Strategic and Long Range Plan 2014-2018 at http://www.yourlibrary.ca/aboutus/strategic_plan.cfm. As a result of our 2013 Community Public Consultation we are well on our way towards implementing our Strategic Plan, as informed by the specific needs of our residents. Based on the information our users gave us, a strategic vision for library services emerged around eight key strategic roles the library plays in the community.

1. The Refocused Traditional Library

The Refocused Traditional Library will continue to be a free source of lifelong learning, and will be a hub for creativity, exploration and discovery. Users will be able to borrow books, magazines, DVDs and CDs for free, as well as have access to a wide assortment of digital media collections.

Let’s Refocus Our Traditional Library by:• Expanding popular areas and downsizing others, as needed.• Establishing an eReader lending collection.• Expanding our collection of academic materials for kids.

2. The Learning Hub Library

A place to study, work collaboratively and find help for homework assignments, the Learning Hub is also a place for personal development. It will rely heavily on traditional hard copy collections as well as digital collections. The Learning Hub Library will require lots of wired study areas with computers. It will also require flexible rooms that can be reserved for group study or instruction, virtual tutoring, independent study, or small group presentations, plus library staff to help.

Let’s Become a City of Lifelong Learners by:• Developing flexible spaces for individual study, group work and presentations.• Developing after school drop-in programs for homework help and guidance.• Developing computer workstations designed for shared group activities.• Acquiring audiovisual presentation equipment for public presentations.

3. The Living Room Library

The Living Room Library is the place to read, study or relax in a quiet, comfortable environment. It is well-lit with plenty of open spaces and offers a variety of seating options.

We’ll Make the Library a More Comfortable Space by:• Providing more seating and reading areas.• Improving the quality of the seating and reading areas.• Providing parent/child reading areas.

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4. The Digital Library

The digital Library is a virtual place to access all kinds of digital information. It requires individual and group workstations, high speed Internet, a variety of digital devices for staff training and instruction, and the necessary IT infrastructure to support it all. This role also encourages interactive activities that stimulate curiosity.

Let’s Go Digital by:• Growing digital media collections including books, music, video, magazines and newspapers.• Improving and increasing public computer stations.• Expanding high speed Internet and wireless services.• Developing digital services Apps for smartphones and tablets.

5. The Activity Library

The Activity Library invites the community to come together for information programs that are supported by our book and digital collections. This requires flexible programming rooms that can be used for group instruction and public presentations. The Activity Library responds to a growing number of library users who want to organize and lead library programs, where they can shear their knowledge and experience.

Let’s Create a Vibrant and Participative Experience by:• Focusing programming to better meet the needs of users, especially on popular topics.• Engaging community specialists to design and deliver programming.• Developing a group of volunteers for library programming.• Improving marketing and promotion of library activities in-house, within the community, and onthe web.

6. The Creative Library

The Creative Library is a place to work and learn collaboratively with like-minded people. Library members will have the opportunity to contribute, publish and share content. It requires collaborative physical and virtual workspaces, proper equipment, software applications, and library staff support. The library has the responsibility to store and distribute the information and projects created by community members. This role creates an opportunity to benefit from the community’s knowledge, skills and experience, and promote social interaction.

Let’s Get Creative by:• Collaborating with partners to develop Create & Learn technology.• Developing trial space at the Brighouse (Main) Branch.• Acquiring specialized equipment for community use, such as 3D printers, digital scanners and public presentation equipment.• Providing easy access to user-created content.

7. The Multicultural Library

The Multicultural Library provides space for special collections and services that reflect Richmond’s multiculturalism, based on the Dr. Lee inspired Special Collection on Chinese Culture, and the Ben and Esther Dayson Judaica Collection. This role capitalizes on Richmond’s position as one of Canada’s most diverse communities.

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Let’s Embrace Diversity Around Us by:• Creating space to house the Special Collection on Chinese Culture.• Developing and promoting multilingual collections.• Working with community groups to offer a variety of cultural programs that inform, entertain, and promote cultural understanding.

8. The Gathering Place Library

The Gathering Place Library is where groups of people can get together informally to talk, learn, and share ideas. It requires public spaces that balance the quiet, individual activities of the Living Room with an informal space where noise is okay.

Let’s Create a Place for Everyone by:• Creating small, specialized trial spaces to experiment with this concept.

PROGRESS MADE IN 2015

In 2015 the library celebrated several key accomplishments that enhanced, improved or expanded on the programs, services and collections that we offer to the community of Richmond. Specific examples include the physical renovations at the Cambie and Ironwood branches as well as a collection refresh at the Steveston branch. A significant portion of the library’s budget was dedicated towards collections, which on top of the Steveston refresh included expansion of our eBook collection. Further, as detailed in the next sections of this report, the library undertook several new programming initiatives aimed at providing new digital, outreach and community partnership offerings to our community. These programming initiatives are in direct support of the four Government priorities.

Library Board Chair Simon Tang says that the library is on track towards the successful implementation of its five year Strategic and Long Range Plan. "This year we want to build on previous successes and continue to create new and exciting learning opportunities for community members of all ages. By offering innovative programming combined with a relentless focus on expanding our traditional and digital collections, we want the public to know that there is something for everyone at the library,” says Tang.

GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES, GOALS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, PARTNERSHIPS

LIBRARY PRIORITY 1: A FOCUS ON EQUITABLE ACCESS TO LIBRARY SERVICES FOR ALL BRITISH COLUMBIANS, INCLUDING EFFORTS TO EXTEND LIBRARY SERVICE, BOTH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL, TO UNDER-REPRESENTED POPULATIONS (EX. ABORIGINAL, PRINT DISABLED, AND IMMIGRANTS).

LIBRARY GOAL THAT SUPPORT PRIORITY 1:

Richmond Public Library’s progress towards this priority is driven and supported by strategic role # 5: The Activity Library – Let’s create a vibrant and participative experience by focusing programming to better meet the needs of users, especially on popular topics, and by engaging community specialists to design and deliver programming.

This goal is a work in progress with many successes achieved in 2015.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND / OR SERVICES THAT ALIGN WITH THIS PRIORITY

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PROGRAM # 1 OUTREACH AT THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTRE

This year the library partnered with the Thompson Community Centre to offer a variety of services to Community Centre users.

Welcome bags

The library worked with the Community Centre to fill welcome bags with promotional materials about community and library programs and services. Included in the bag was a coupon that could be brought into the library to redeem for a free 3D printed item and/or a free session with a librarian, where parents could be introduced to resources for their family. These were handed out over the summer to families attending summer camps at Thompson Community Centre. A total of 550 bags were handed out and 4 coupons were redeemed.

Welcome table

Library staff also set up a welcome table three mornings a week at the community centre’s Summer Neighbourhood camps for low income families where they could connect with caregivers signing up their children for programs.

Storytime in the Park program

Library staff led a short storytime as part of the Thompson Community Centre park program and then spoke to parents about library resources.

PROGRAM # 2 OUTREACH AT CIVIC AND PRIVATE BUSINESS LOCATIONS

With significant support from the library’s two new Community Programmers, the library has undertaken a new outreach program with a goal to reduce or remove barriers for community members to access library programs and services and to build awareness and support in the community for the library.

Since the outreach program’s inception, the library has conducted a number of outreach events at civic locations, businesses, school visits and adult activity and long term care facilities. In October 2015 there were five outreach activities, four outreach activities in November and six outreach activities in December. These events offered the following services to members and non-members:

library card registration material check-in library program and service information programming opportunities for volunteer engagement digital services demonstrations

The library is aware that outreach activities can reduce in-library staff resources but the pay-off has been that outreach is a valuable public relations tool to promote the library to audiences that may be unaware of what the library offers. It has also proven to be a valuable tool to engage with the community to discover their needs, thus keeping the library relevant to the community.

PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THIS PRIORITY:

We have developed a strong partnership with the Arthritis Society, who saw enough value in the programming offered in partnership with the library to invest in significant print advertising in the Richmond News print publication. We have also developed a partnership agreement to provide both outreach services and in-branch programming with the LGBTQ Connection, the Kiwanis Tower seniors residence, the Richmond chapter of the Food Bank and a local, popular City of Richmond park facility called the Richmond Nature Park where we offered outreach activities at two large community events held at this park in Fall 2015.

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OUTCOMES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED:

Library works collaboratively with other community groups to expand cultural awareness Fosters social interaction and informal learning opportunities. New partnerships are made and existing community partnerships are strengthened. Library engages with the community to share information and promote lifelong learning.

LIBRARY PRIORITY 2: INCREASED SUPPORTS FOR EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION. LIBRARIES, AS KEY PARTNERS IN PROVIDING SUPPORTS TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM, SHOULD CONTINUE ORGANIZING AND COLLABORATING ON COMMUNITY-BASED, PERSONALIZED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL LEARNERS WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IN REACHING PERSONAL GOALS.

LIBRARY GOAL THAT SUPPORTS PRIORITY 2:

Digital Literacy programming at Richmond Public Library supports and aligns to five of our eight strategic roles: The Refocused Library, The Learning Hub Library, the Digital Library, The Activity Library and the Creative Library.

The new Digital Literacy programs in support of this priority launched in Summer of 2015 and mark the beginning of a three year Digital Literacy Programming Plan for the library, so this goal is a work in progress.

PROGRAMS AND / OR SERVICES THAT ALIGN WITH THIS PRIORITY:

DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMMING LAUNCH

The library’s digital programming focused on digital themes including: robotics, coding, 3D printing, basic computer needs and social themes including: critical thinking, team-building, problem solving, editing, design and creativity, listening, time management and social confidence.

The Digital Literacy programs kicked off at the Summer Reading Club Finale on August 22. At this event the library launched the Kids Computer Learning Centre and the Digital Learning Collection. Over the summer the library purchased the first digital items to be used as the Digital Learning Collection, which includes interactive technologies such as Little Bits, MaKey MaKeys, Dash & Dot and Lego Mindstorms. (Anne and Cindy).

The Digital Literacy Programming Plan has focused on providing opportunities for Richmond residents to explore various digital platforms. Library staff have offered a variety of programs that have encouraged not only digital learning but social interaction. Four levels of programming are offered:

1. Drop in Activities: both library staff and community led programs (e.g. 3D Maker MeetUps, Minecraft)2. Registered: scheduled library staff led programs (e.g. Once Upon An App, Evil Genius)3. Registered: scheduled community led programs with limited staff or volunteer assistance (e.g.

Coding4Fun, Robokids)4. Public events: larger scale library staff led and/or community collaborated events open to all ages (e.g.

Global 3D Printing day, Science Bash & Tech Faire, #TechPopUps)

Also on August 22, the library unveiled the Fall programming lineup. An exciting new roster of programs started in September and ran through December, and continues to run in 2016. Notable successful programs that resonated with the community as evidenced by attendance and qualitative engagement assessments include:

Evil Genius: A registered program for ages 10-14 where science-minded kids who are interested in robotics meet to explore and complete challenges with the new Digital Learning Collection.

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3D Maker Meetups: A drop-in meetup session for certified 3D makers and guest speakers aged teen through adult where 3D enthousiasts of all ages get the chance to meet other makers and share their knowledge and skills. Participants have the opportunity to present their work and discuss projects with the group.

Hour of Code, presented by Marshmallow Coding: Children ages 9-12 receive an introduction to coding in this week-long series.

PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THIS PRIORITY:

The library strengthened is partnership with the Richmond School District # 38 by working with school teachers and counselors to provide information about upcoming programs and resources at the library that support the school curriculum. In addition a new partnership was trialed with EdCom News, a print publication for the Richmond School District, where we shared upcoming information about relevant programs with all parents and students in the district.

New partnerships were fostered with local 3D print enthusiasts and makers, as well as coding experts who were invited into the library to lead community programs, man booths at Science Bash and Tech Faire, and lead discussion groups at the 3D Maker Meetups.

OUTCOMES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED:

From September to December 2015, Richmond Public Library added 19 new digital literacy programs. These pilot programs are newly created digital programs that have not been offered at the Library previously and complemented the existing or previously offered programs in support of digital literacy. Many of the pilot programs have proven to be very successful and will be added as permanent programs at the library. Below is an illustration of the total number of programs offered and the number of pilot programs offered by demographic:

LL CP LL CP LL CP LL CP LL CPYouth PreTeen/Teen Adult/Older Adult Newcomers Public Events

0123456

21

54 4

12

3 3

21

3 3 3

12

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Library Led (LL) & Community Partnership (CP) Programs

ProgramsPilots

As of February 2016, the number of pilot programs offered will increase to 25. This dramatic rise in programs has been met with enthusiasm from the community, with 2,345 attendees throughout the last four months of 2015. Additional program statistics including number of sessions, hours and participants is illustrated in the table below).

September – December 2015 Youth

PreTeen/Teens

Adults/Older Adults Newcomers Public Events Total

LL* CP** LL CP LL CP LL CP LL CPPrograms 2 1 5 4 4 1 2 3 3 25***Sessions 14 1 34 15 63 4 12 13 6 162Hours 16.75 2 31.5 18 63 6 24 20 13 194.5Participants 392 10 541 116 166 35 81 523 481 2,345

*LL – Library Led*CP – Community Partnership***Total new (pilot) and existing digital programs

The following outcomes have been achieved by introducing a comprehensive Digital Literacy suite of programs:

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Introduction of new programs to introduce library members to skills such as: o Computer Programming & Design: creative thinking, editing, problem solving, communication &

listening, digital literacy, computer programming, design, time management, mathematics.o 3D Printing & Modelling: creative thinking & editing, problem solving, team building,

communication & listening, digital literacy, 3D modelling, social confidence, mathematics.o Electronics & Robotics Coding: creative thinking & editing, problem solving, team building,

communication & listening, digital literacy, social confidence, mathematics, physics.o Digital Literacy for Parents: creative thinking, parenting, communication & listening, digital

literacy.o Adult & Older Adults Digital Support: creative thinking & editing, problem solving,

communication & listening, digital literacy, mathematics, basic computer literacy.o STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math): creative thinking & editing, problem solving,

team building, communication & listening, digital literacy. Welcoming new community members that have not used the library in the past An increase in foot traffic through our doors An increase in community “chatter” which helps spread the word and increases awareness The library is seen as a destination where families can engage in digital activities. The library provides opportunities for community building relationships The library forms new and strengthens existing relationships with community partners. The library provides service hour and leadership development opportunities to teens. Library members receive support in electronic resources, digital literacy and STEM.

LIBRARY PRIORITY 3: SUPPORT FOR THE BC JOBS PLAN BY IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR JOB SEEKERS IN BC. SPECIFICALLY, LIBRARIES SHOULD FOCUS ON TOOLS, PROGRAMS AND ESSENTIAL LITERACY SUPPORTS THAT HELP YOUR COMMUNITY EXPLORE NEW SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS, LEADING THEM TO BE SUCCESSFULLY “FIRST IN LINE” FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW.

LIBRARY GOAL THAT SUPPORTS THIS PRIORITY:

Our support of this library priority is aligned to two of our strategic roles, specifically # 6 The Creative Library and # 7 The Gathering Place Library. The library offered two significant and successful programming events in 2015 that aimed to provide job seekers of all ages with the tools, programs and literacy support to explore new skills and employment options.

As outlined below, we offered several successful programs in 2015 in support of this priority and this goal will remain a priority in 2016.

PROGRAMS AND / OR SERVICES THAT ALIGN WITH THIS PRIORITY:

PROGRAM # 1 THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER AND LEADERSHIP FAIR

A group of Richmond teens from the charitable group Charity Brighouse, spearheaded by Richmond Public Library teen volunteer Dennis Wang, asked for and received the library’s support to host a large scale, four hour Youth Volunteer and Leadership Fair at the library’s Brighouse branch. With guidance and mentorship from library staff, the youth leaders of this event recruited over 30 exhibitors from organizations across the Lower Mainland and attracted over 400 attendees to the Fair. Their goal was to educate Richmond youth on volunteer opportunities and how to be a successful volunteer.

This event provided a great opportunity to invite hundreds of teens into the library, many of whom had not been for a long time, and showcase our space, our services and our hospitality with them. We were pleased to help Dennis and his charity hold a successful event.

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Library staff mentored the youth leaders on how to organize the fair, provided promotion that complemented the promotion efforts spearheaded by the youth leaders and assisted with event set-up and crowd management on the day of the event.

PROGRAM # 2 EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS OFFERED FOR BC SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

In partnership with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the library presented a week-long series of events specifically for Richmond’s thriving small business community. These programs were all offered in partnership with different Richmond-based businesses and covered different topics especially important in Richmond such as:

The Future of “Workplace” Multicultural Etiquette for Business Employment Law

An author talk by Ramona Materi, author of BC’s New North – How to Build Your Business, Respect Communities and Prosper

PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THIS PRIORITY:

The library’s partnership with teen volunteer Dennis is very valuable as Dennis has tremendous reach and influence with teens in the community of Richmond. This is evidenced by an article published in the Richmond News featuring his achievements, as well as his social media reach: the Facebook event that Dennis’s charitable organization set up for the Volunteer Fair resulted in 313 people indicating they were “going” to the event.

Our growing partnership with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce is also valuable as the Chamber provided significant print advertising in support of BC Small Business week events at the library, and in the Fall of 2015, the Chamber also chose to host a members’ breakfast before the library opened for the day which helped introduce non-library users to the library in a unique setting.

OUTCOMES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED:

Library is viewed as a venue in which to learn and share information in the community. Library is viewed as a forum to share creative information with the wider community. The library expands its role as interface to knowledge and information. The community is introduced to new library resources. Library partners with community organizations to provide practical, skill-based programs. The library is viewed as a venue in which to learn and share information in the community. Community members are able to access current employment advice relevant to their information and job

seeking needs. The library provides service hour and leadership development opportunities to teens.

LIBRARY PRIORITY 4: A FOCUS ON COLLABORATION BETWEEN LIBRARIES AND OTHER PARTNERS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHARED SERVICE MODELS AND RESOURCES WHICH EXTEND OR IMPROVE SEAMLESS ACCESS.

LIBRARY GOAL THAT SUPPORTS THIS PRIORITY:

The library’s progress towards this priority is supported by our strategic role # 5 The Activity Library: Create a vibrant and participative experience by engaging community specialists to design and deliver program and by developing a group of volunteers to support library programming.

Through the implementation of the programs and services described below, the library was successful in delivering on this goal and will continue to deliver programs and services that support this priority in 2016.

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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALIGN WITH THIS PRIORITY:

PROGRAM # 1 SCIENCE BASH & TECH FAIRE

In 2015 the library was pleased to offer their annual Science Bash during National Science and Technology Week. Science Bash is held every year at Richmond Public Library on the Provincial Pro-D day in October and this is usually one of the most educational and exciting events at the library. To build on such a successful event and create new “buzz” for 2015, the event was expanded to two days of fun with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning with the addition of the Tech Faire. This event celebrated all things Science and Tech. The goal was to encourage the community to learn more about the different branches of science, professions and careers, and community involvement. Invitations were sent to local community partners which resulted in 17 organizations that participated over the two day event, including:

1. Outside the Box Learning Commons2. Make Family Fun3. Craftworks Toys4. APEG5. Open Science Network6. Coding4FUN7. Science Fair Foundation of BC8. Genome BC9. Parks Canada10. Under the GUI11. Kids Code Jeunesse12. John Bokla i3D Printing13. Natural Resources Canada14. Robokids15. Retro Tech16. TRIUMF17. Spirit of Math School

SERVICE # 2 ADDITION OF TWO NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAMMERS

Two Community Programmers were hired into new library roles in mid-2015. Together they have over 20 years of experience in creating, developing and implementing adult programming involving staff and volunteers at the City of Richmond, the City of Surrey and the City of Vancouver. They brought a wide network of contacts and new tools and skills to more effectively deliver and promote Richmond Public Library adult programs.

During the short time they have been at Richmond Public Library, they have implemented several administrative tools that facilitate how the library manages events, notifies community partners, coordinates outreach activities and manages community programming contacts. They have made connections with a wide variety of new community partners and initiated relationships that have already led to new program offerings both in-branch and as outreach events for the library. Notable new partnerships include but not limited to:

The Arthritis Society Diwalifest Richmond Chamber of Commerce The Richmond News LGBTQ Connection T & T Supermarket

PARTNERSHIPS THAT SUPPORT THIS PRIORITY:

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As described by the programs detailed above, the library strengthened, renewed and instigated new partnerships with community organizations both through their participation in the Science Bash & Tech Faire and through engagement in library programming coordinated by the new Community Programmers. Those partnerships are integral to our achievement of this priority and were documented within the program details.

OUTCOMES THAT WERE IDENTIFIED:

The library is seen as a destination where families can spend school and statutory engaging in activities. The library forms new and strengthens existing relationships with community partners. The library provides service hour and leadership development opportunities to teens. Families receive support in reading, digital literacy and academics.

SUMMARY

2015 was the second year of a 5-year Strategic Plan. Throughout the past year, we engaged the community with a wide variety of new programming and information-sharing services. We celebrated many accomplishments that were in direct support of the strategic roles as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

We leveraged the huge knowledge base in our community and will continue to do so as we constantly seek out new partnerships so that we may offer community-led programming suitable for all ages and demographics. We continue to be challenged by finding ways to get more individuals and organizations to share their knowledge. By offering a variety of conventional and digital collections, programs and services both inside and outside the library walls, we are reaching more potential community partners and creating interest in the opportunities available for the community to get involved.

Our focus in 2016 will be on identifying our key demographics and targeting our programs to meet the needs of those groups, and ensuring that we are providing a suite of programs, collections and services that introduce the entire community to these new and exciting topics. In addition, our digital programming will continue to be a community leader in supporting the changes in the BC School curriculum that will include coding and other digital skills beginning in September 2016.

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