O.R.L. – Okanagan Regional Library – AGM 2018
As a part of my duties as Electoral Area Director I am the representative for the two electoral areas (Central Okanagan East & West) within RDCO to the Okanagan Regional Library Board. As such I attend ORL Board Meetings where decisions pertaining to the operation and management of the 29 Libraries under ORL are made. I have included the Annual Report 2017 that details the libraries and some of the programs available to you as a resident of this area that were offered over this last year. Here is a link to previous years ORL Annual Reports.
Meeting Highlights
ORL BOARD APPROVES ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTING INCREASING LIBRARY USAGE
The Library Maker Crew showed off the newly acquired 3D Printer and introduced the exciting potential of this new technology and its possibilities. The Crew will visit all 29 branches of the ORL beginning in June and will run through to September, allowing all communities to have equal access to this fantastic technology. Details and dates of each branch visit will be provided once finalized.
Interim CEO Don Nettleton highlighted key projects including:
-Opening of a new ORL self-service point at UBCO in the fall;
-Opening of a new Westside Learning Center in the fall, in the Okanagan Lake Shopping Center just over the bridge at the intersection of Westside Rd and Highway 97.
The Board Approved an Access Card pilot project as a new type of membership, which helps individuals with no fixed address or proof of residence gain access to library services.
2017 Annual Report Key Figures:
– 165,243 Patrons attended programs and used meeting spaces – a 79% increase since 2012
– 1,602,829 Patrons walked through our doors
– 1,199,074 Number of times patrons logged on to use wifi. A 10% increase since 2016
– 595,395 PressReader articles read – a 44% increase since 2016
– 2,254,985 Patrons visited the ORL website
– Internet speed doubled in 21 ORL branches
– 2,857,273 Books, magazines and other materials borrowed.
2017 Audited Financial Statements:
Auditors BDO Canada reported that revenues and expenses were very close to budget and consistent with previous years resulting in an $8,586 deficit. Total revenues were slightly higher than the previous year, totalling $18,194,538 with expenses coming to $18,203,124.
