7
COMMUNICATION & COUNSEL
Report: Monthly
Report
Prepared by: Barbara
Clubb, City Librarian
Prepared for: Ottawa
Public Library Board
OPL
Mission Statement: Building a strong Ottawa community by supporting literacy
and life-long learning, fostering inspiration and enjoyment and connecting
people to each other and the world. (See Appendix A for Goals and Objectives)
1.
Goal
A: Provide
Responsive Services
VISUNET Membership: I just really want
to say a big THANK YOU to you. I cannot believe how quickly you worked on this
and got me set up. Its been a very frustrating few weeks trying to get
everything to come together and then in less then two days you just...boom its
all set up. Beth at Stittsville was great also...she was on it as I walked in.
Again, Thank you so much.
Elmvale
Acres Branch: Mme. Huguette, a user of the Elmvale Acres Branch,
expressed her thanks for great service:
« Je veux souligner
l’excellent service que j’ai reçu à la bibliothèque Elmvale Acres jeudi 14 mai
2009 par monsieur Benoît Legato et par madame Rose Pigeon. Ces deux employés ont été très compétents et
ont fait preuve de beaucoup de compréhension.
Je les remercie grandement. »
Jennifer, a user
of the Elmvale Acres Branch, expressed her thanks for great service:
“I want to compliment the Ottawa Public Library
on your excellent service and wide range of available materials and
resources. I recently had a very
satisfying customer service experience with an employee of the Elmvale branch,
who extended the due date on a travel guide to coincide with our vacation. Having the book with us made our trip to New
Orleans even better! Thank you for your
great work and flexibility!”
Karen, a teacher at
Hillcrest High School, expressed her thanks to the Elmvale Acres team for
welcoming her grade 10 students to the branch:
“Thank you so
much for the great field trip! The
students are off to a good start on their projects. These grade 10 applied students are not characteristically very
motivated to show initiative toward academic type work. They were, however, motivated by this
trip. I’m so glad that you got them
library cards of their own! Having been
to the library once
now, they may
hopefully return with confidence next time and know what to expect and how to
proceed with their research. Thanks
again a whole bunch!!!”
Blackburn Hamlet Branch: Mme Labrèche, a regular
user of the Blackburn Hamlet Branch, submitted the following comment:
“Félicitations à la
Bibliothèque publique d’Ottawa pour son beau choix de livres francophones. Je suis toujours étonnée de trouver tout ce
que je demande en français. Merci de
vos bons livres et pour le français surtout.”
Comments
submitted by Mrs. Dawson at the Blackburn Hamlet Branch:
“I LOVE having a library in my
neighbourhood! I read constantly and it
is wonderful to be able to go for a walk and pick up a book! The staff are always helpful and story hour is
a great hit with my five grandchildren.
Keep up the good work!”
Greenboro District
Library Branch:
From a Comment
card submitted by a Greenboro District Library user:
“Our new
Central/South Library is a gem. It is such an incredible resource, and the fact
that anyone can use it makes it all the more wonderful.
The librarians
are always very helpful: I have on numerous occasions received help to
further my research skills – another invaluable service provided by my own
library.
To the
Greenboro team especially, many thanks for making our library so user
friendly and just an overall great place to come to!”
From a card given to Children’s Programs & Public
Service Assistant Lise Dumas at the Greenboro District Library by Judy and
Benjamin:
“We’d like to
thank you for the library sessions. Your enthusiasm, energy, and imagination have
made the sessions wonderful. You’ve encouraged the children’s musical and
literary skills, getting them interested in books and how much there is to
learn. We wish you all the best and thanks again.”
Collection
Development Services: Sandra expressed her appreciation of the work done by Collection
Development Services and LWSS:
“I just wanted to say that I am
often impressed with the selection of books you offer. I check Oprah's reading
list once in a while and make note of recommendations and authors quoted in
parenting and lifestyle magazines - when I search on-line to see if you have
those books very often you do. Its pleasantly surprising to so often find what
I'm looking for from the library.
I also LOVE the fact that you can
search, renew and request books on-line. My only suggestion for improvement is
a "remember my library card number" feature (similar to what the
banks have for on-line banking) but other than that it’s great!
Thank you and keep up
the good work”
Ottawa Room: From a card addressed to Brian Silcoff – Ottawa
Room:
“Recently you did a search on the
Steamer “Peerless”, for my brother in Kakabeka Falls, discovering that our
great grandfather had a part in her construction.
On your advice, I was able to
thoroughly read the microfilm of the launch day on the Ottawa River in
1872. We would like to thank you
sincerely, for your search of the Peerless for us, and your advice about the
newspaper coverage of the launching.
With many thanks. Sincerely,
Peter Connors and Norah (Connors) Campbell.”
Book Club
Forum: Following a request from the book club leader at
the Rockcliffe Park Branch, Marcia Aronson organized a book club forum at
Emerald Plaza Branch for the OPL volunteers who facilitate book clubs in the
branches. Marcia also presented a talk, Suggestions for Book Clubs, for clients
of the Hazeldean Branch.
Adult Programs:
The following letter was sent to Barb Clubb regarding adult programming
support:
“My colleague,
Linda Lucas, and I would like to thank you so much for the Library's support in
co-sponsoring the book launch for Happily
Retired: What works . . . what doesn't. About
120 people attended the launch. The Chambers and Atrium were the perfect
venue and the Library's role as co-sponsor added credibility to our product. We
are also thrilled that the book has been popular enough that the Library has
purchased some additional copies.
Your staff were very
helpful. Linda Newman at Nepean Centrepointe Branch met with us and
handled publicity, room arrangements and equipment requirements. On the
evening of the launch, Krista Woltman provided a most gracious welcome and
introduction on behalf of the Library and gave us extra help with equipment and
last minute logistics. Michael Murphy from the Main Branch got the whole
process started and was particularly encouraging.
The Library's support
of local authors is a wonderful service. We are very grateful for your
encouragement.”
Teens and
Wii: Twelve, grade 7-8 students from First Place Alternative
School were at the Main Library gaming. The students had so much fun and the
teachers congratulated the library on bridging the gap with teens – they said
that the school board hasn’t figured out how to work gaming in classrooms yet,
so the Library has proven to be ahead of the game!
2.
Goal
B: Develop partnerships for accessible and efficient service.
Centennial TAG (Teen
Advisory Group): received a $2,500.00 United Way grant for a
proposal entitled “Express Yourself @ the Library” under the Youth Action
Project section. All projects were evaluated based on key
criteria including expected impact on the area community, and how action
oriented each project was. The grant proposal was designed by the teens
and youth representatives attended the board review of the application to
defend their proposal. A series of
programs, most of which will take place this summer, were developed by the
teens and include an art
class and contest, an improv night, a self-defense workshop, a henna
hand-painting workshop, a gaming night and a youth fair with a multicultural
fashion show. Dorothy
Jeffreys and Andrea
Gowing, Branch staff,
provided significant support to TAG in this endeavour. The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library
agreed to be the official community sponsor of the project, which was greatly
appreciated.
Wireless
Access: With the re-opening of the Rideau Branch, Library
Web Services and Systems and Information Technology Services has now enabled
wireless services at all 33 locations and provided wireless access to the staff
of the Bookmobile. Patrons can use their laptops to undertake research in the
library in all rural, urban and suburban locations.
Collection Development Services: Sometimes a book so impresses a reader
that they want to buy multiple copies for the Library. Such was the case when,
after checking with Collection Development Services, a user purchased 10 copies
of Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea: one man’s mission to promote peace –
one school at a time. Since there were long waiting lists for the Library’s
copies these were very welcomed. Another interesting donation was from the
United States Embassy who gave the Library multiple copies of Barack Obama’s
books. These titles also have long waiting lists. The City Librarian attended a
digital videoconference at the American Embassy featuring the co-author David Oliver Relin and linking readers in Ottawa, Québec
City, Vancouver and Calgary.
The Canadian Council for the Blind: Book Club invited Charlotte Gray to
their last meeting of the season to discuss Sisters in the Wilderness
with them. It was definitely a wonderful way to finish the year. Suggestions
were compiled for next year, which include another title, by Ms Gray. The book
club was highlighted in the Globe and Mail Book Club column several months ago.
Asian Heritage Month: The Main Library, once again, hosted
Asian Heritage Month programs in May. The programs were well attended with the
highlight being the Asian Heritage Family Celebration organized by two of the
OPL settlement workers. This successful event had over 200 participants.
Public Board of Health: The OPL has been working closely with
City staff responsible for working with the new Public Board of Health by
sharing policies and answering questions related to working with boards. City staff are most thankful and commit to
giving the OPL Board credit in drafting their policies.
Book Launch for Happily Retired: The following comments were sent to
Barbara Clubb from Julie Chahal, co-author of the Happily Retired: What
works…what doesn’t:
“My colleague, Linda Lucas and I would
like to thank you so much for the Library’s support in co-sponsoring the book
launch for Happily Retired: What Works…what doesn’t. About 120 people
attended the launch. The Chambers and Atrium were the perfect venue and the
Library’s role as co-sponsor added credibility to our product. We are thrilled
that the book has been popular enough that the Library has purchased some
additional copies.
Your staff were very helpful. Linda
Newman at Centrepointe Branch met with us and handled publicity, room
arrangements and equipment requirements. On the evening of the launch, Krista
Woltman provided a most gracious welcome and introduction on behalf of the
Library and gave us extra help with equipment and last minute logistics.
Michael Murphy from the Main Branch got the whole process started and was
particularly encouraging. The Library’s support of local authors is a wonderful
service. We are very grateful for your encouragement.”
3.
Goal
C: Develop
our places and spaces
Infrastructure Funding: The OPL has been
successful in its request to the Federal Infrastructure Stimulus program to
support five library capital projects under the Cultural Infrastructure
category. Total funding from all three levels of government is $4.725M and
includes a new branch for the village of Greely. The projects include: Greely
(new branch) $1.2M; Alta Vista branch retrofit $750,000; Cumberland branch
retrofit $750,000; Vanier branch retrofit $750,000; Sunnyside branch renovation
$1.275M. In addition the city’s Public Works department also received funding
for an access ramp at the tiny Vernon branch.
Main Library: The tender
process for the Main Library renovation project has been completed. This project includes creating a Newcomers Centre, relocating the
computer training room, and undertaking improvements to an expanded
Ottawa Room. The lowest bidder was the firm of Pranger Debruyn Construction Ltd. The bid was for $83,030. Since this is an existing building with
various unknown building conditions, City Public Works Branch added a 10%
contingency to the tender amount to cover any unforeseen construction costs or
extras to the work. The final total
amount with this contingency included comes to $91,833. This amount is below the amount the Board
pre-approved in camera, in Motion 025-09, on Saturday April 25, 2009 at the
Board Planning Session. City Supply
Management Division is proceeding with the tender award. The renovation project
is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2009.
Rideau Branch: The Rideau branch
reopened on Tuesday, May 19 with Board Chair Jan Harder and Councillor Georges
Bédard cutting the ribbon. They were assisted by library patrons, Mr. Leandre
Hamann, 106 year old Mrs. Hélène Chatelain
and 4 year old Miss Sara Hage-Hassan.
The public has been making positive comments about the renovations, new
layout and furniture. One library user wrote about the new Assistive Technology
workstation "I want to thank you most sincerely for the wonderful work
station you provided at computer #6. I used to be in some pain from getting
into the station in the old set-up and was in further pain every day from the
way I had to sit while using the computer. Often, when I left the station I was
in such pain it was hard to walk home and once here I had to lay down with two
heating pads. Since you replaced it
with the
present set-up, I have absolutely no pain getting on or off the chair or from
the way I can sit and come home with absolutely no pain from using the
computer. I can't express my thanks to you for your thoughtfulness in providing
the new station set-up. I have had absolutely no pain whatever from using the
station. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
4.
Goal D: Build a New Central Library
New
Central Library Functional Building Program:
Andrew Brown, Project Manager, Resource Planning Group, Inc. will present the
New Central Library draft Functional Building Program to the Board on June 15,
2009. Additional information is provided through a separate agenda item.
New
Central Library Site: A report from the Library
Board and the City Manager will be on the Corporate Services and Economic
Development Committee agenda June 16, 2009. The report is recommending
acquisition of the site for the new central library.
Arts,
Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee: Elaine
Condos and Line Gravelle will be providing the City’s Arts, Heritage and
Culture Advisory Committee with an update on planning for the new central
library at their meeting on June 16th.
5.
Goal E: Be an Accountable and Innovative Organization
Beaverbrook Teen Zone: It was a
“GASP” at the Beaverbrook Branch on Friday May 29th, when a group of
6 Grade 11 Applied Design students from the Earl of March High School offered a
sneak preview of their vision for the New Teen Zone that will be launched this
fall.
The partnership the library developed
with the school proved to be a win-win situation for everyone involved in the
Teen Zone project. The students will
receive course credits for their design and community service hours for work
they will do to implement the plan.
Beaverbrook now has an integrated design plan complete with special
furniture that is co-coordinated with the colour scheme represented on the
Study Zone page of the library website; a wall mural that captures the branding
elements of the library logo, and the signature “O” has been incorporated into
the mural, furniture, rugs, etc. For
Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, it was an opportunity to invite the public for a
viewing of the plans and celebrate the creative efforts of youth in the
community. Earl of March Art teacher
Deborah Dewar-Monk was able to take pride in the accomplishments of her
students. Last but not least, the teens that usually pour into the branch after
school were so excited to see how this area of the library is developing just
for them. Their enthusiasm for the proposal was infectious, and they listened
intently to their peers as the student designers talked about how, as a team,
they worked together to come up with concepts that real professionals would
envy. Of course it also helped that
cake and light refreshments were served after the presentation.
The branch was quite energized and once
the festivities died down, other people came over to see what all the
excitement was about and were most impressed with the quality of the students’
work and commented on how wonderful it was to see youth involved in activities
of this kind in the community.
Plans to involve youth in other projects
at the branch, such as a Teen Advisory Group, are also underway, and will
likely coincide with the launch of the TZone in the fall of 2009.
Change
the World Youth Volunteer Challenge: OPL has
won the Change the World Youth Volunteer Challenge Grand Prize, arranged
through Volunteer Ottawa. The 26 youth
volunteers from North Gloucester, Manotick, Rockcliffe Park; Rosemount, Carp,
Richmond, Stittsville and North Gower are invited to 2 private group laser tag
games at Laser Quest and dinner at Local Heroes ($600 in gift certificates). Congratulations to all!
6.
Ottawa Public Library
Foundation
2008
Audit
·
Audited statements for 2008
approved by OPLF Board at the May meeting
Annual
General Meeting
·
To be held on Monday, June 8th,
2009
·
Of note: Bruce Brooks completing term as Treasurer; Jane Beaumont and Lori
Nash to be inducted as full voting members
·
Second quarter statements are now
available
·
Second quarter list of OPL
commitments ready for review by City Librarian
·
OPLF and City of Ottawa FSU have
now completed reconciliation of trust funds
·
Catherine Armstrong is working with
the auditors on completion of the T3010 – charitable tax return, for deliver by
June 30th
·
G. Seguin attended seminar on
socially responsibly investing for charities, hosted by RBC
·
Draft of investment policy
forthcoming
Estate of
James Kowcz
·
RSM Richter has been retained by
the estate to complete income tax filings, inventory of the estate, and to
disburse funds to legatees
·
Recently updated content
·
Foundation in negotiation with
Blackbaud to install NET Community Grow – a turn-key solution for content
management, online giving, and donor management
·
Committee met on June 2nd
·
Sponsorship collateral ready; kits
to be mailed week of June 8th
·
Foundation has collected several
donations of prizes (signed print, Aboriginal wall hanging, etc), which might
be used for a silent auction/raffle at the event
·
Baseline surveys currently being
conducted by FOPLA volunteers at three branches: Stittsville, Cumberland, and Elmvale Acres
May 13th
Donor Cultivation Event
·
Event was a success by all
accounts, with approximately 20 couples attending
·
Good feedback and strong interest
in OPL programs and NCL
·
Currently following up with
face-to-face meeting with guests, to conduct ‘discovery’ visits, and ascertain
philanthropic interests
7.
Friends of the Ottawa Public Library
Association
FOPLA approved the opening
of new Bookstore operation at the Beaverbrook Branch library that will
initially begin operations with monthly booksales. This is the 15th
bookstore operation in FOPLA.
At the May meeting of
FOPLA the board approved a pledge of $100,000 toward the new central library
which would be made as installment of $10,000 per year over 10 years as meets
the approval of the boards from year to year.
FOPLA is co winner of the
Gabriele Schrieber Friend of the Year Award from Friends of Canadian Libraries
for 2008, which was announced on May 21, at the FOCAL Annual General Meeting.
The award comes with a plaque and $750 worth of books for the library from
Random House. Congratulations to all the volunteers who are responsible for the
good work that led to our award.
The current president Lori Nash is stepping down after the Annual General Meeting on June 16th but will continue at past president on the FOPLA board of directors. The board of directors will have a change of directors entirely with three of the 14 members remaining. The new slate of directors will be elected on June 16th
8. Responses to Motions and
Enquiries:
Go Green Report
Update: McMurray and
Associates will be working with OPL management in developing an overall
approach and action plan on implementing a strategy to move the library system
forward in a more environmentally conscious direction. This was the next step that
was recommended in the consultant's report to the Board that was presented in
May 2009. The plan and associated actions will be brought back to Board in
report in the final quarter of 2009.
9. Upcoming Events of Interest
·
Next
OPL Board meeting, Rideau Branch 6 p.m. Sept
14 /09
·
FOPLA
Annual General Meeting, Main Branch 6
p.m. Jun 16/09
·
American
Library Association Conference July
9-14, 2009
Next OPL Board meeting, Col. By Room, City Hall 6
p.m. Sept. 8/08
·
__________________________________
Barbara Clubb
City Librarian and CEO
The
Ottawa Public Library Strategic Work Program is based on the Library’s,
mission, goals and objectives approved by the Board of Trustees. These are:
Mission:
Building a strong Ottawa
community by supporting literacy and life-long learning, fostering inspiration
and enjoyment and connecting people to each other and the world.
Goal A Provide
Responsive Services
A1 Focus on our future leaders:
engage and support key groups who will influence Ottawa’s future success: youth,
newcomers and entrepreneurs and small business
A2 Catch up: build our print
and electronic collections to address the gap between growing demand and
current supply
A3 Be virtual: enhance
technology-based access and services
A4 Good reads and the right
information: support life-long learning, literacy and reading for all
A5 Stay ‘open’ for our
citizens: provide more and better hours of service
Goal B Develop
partnerships for accessible and efficient service
B1 Add value: leverage public
investment by working with other city departments and partners on key
initiatives
B2 Be a window to the City:
extend public access to City information and services through the Library’s 33
branches, mobile services and website
Goal C Develop
our places and spaces
C1 Care for what we have:
implement upgrades and improvements in existing branches
C2 Build community – fill the
‘holes’: develop new branches to
support growth and address service gaps
C3 Reduce the barriers: enhance
accessibility to our services through physical and technology upgrades
C4 Go green: Demonstrate environmental leadership in all
future facility development
Goal D Build a New Central Library
D1 Transform our future and
preserve our past: Develop a new
Central Library as a civic and cultural focal point, which supports the City’s
goals of being inclusive, creative, innovative, proud and liveable
Goal E Be an Accountable and
Innovative Organization
E1 Develop our people: ensure
effective staff and volunteer development, including the Board, the Friends and
the Foundation
E2 Use technology wisely: Utilize the power of technology to extend
our services, make connections with our citizens, and realize ongoing
efficiencies
E3 Measure what matters:
implement a new approach to performance measurement that informs our continuous
improvement and more accurately reflects the value-added roles the Library is
playing
E4 Tell
our story: build increased awareness of
what the Library has to offer and report on progress to the public and
taxpayers