PROVINCIAL LIBRARY GRANTS REPORT 2015 PORT MOODY PUBLIC LIBRARY

INTRODUCTION

The Port Moody Public Library serves a rapidly growing population of 34,500 through a single branch facility that is prominently located in the Civic Centre Complex. Over the past 20 years since the library moved to this location, the surrounding neighbourhood has changed dramatically and library use has grown accordingly. Three high density residential/commercial developments (Newport Village, Suter Brook and Klahanie) are within a short distance of the library. At the beginning of 2017, there will be a new Evergreen Skytrain station in operation just three blocks from the library. According to the 2011 Census, Port Moody is the fastest growing city in Metro Vancouver, with an increase of 19% in population since the 2007 Census.

A Community Needs Assessment completed by the Library in 2012 provides a more in-depth demographic profile of our community, as well as a profile of library use. It also provides the results of a Community Survey conducted by the library in 2012. Community input gathered through the community needs assessment process was a critical driving force in shaping the library’s Strategic Plan 2013-2017 which was released in 2013. The priorities outlined in the strategic plan are implemented through an annual Strategic Initiatives Plan; a Year-End Report on Achievements and Outcomes shows where we are in the process of achieving objectives. All information is available to the public via our website.

The City of Port Moody has released an Economic Profile 2015 that provides an updated economic snapshot of the area including a business profile and demographics. The three largest employers are in the public sector: Eagle Ridge Hospital, the City of Port Moody and School District 43. The largest private sector employer is Mill & Timber followed by BC Hydro-Burrard Thermal, Pacific Coast Terminals, Suncor and Imperial Oil.

One of the key challenges that the library, and community, face is the development and replacement of infrastructure. For the library, the concern is our building (1,161 sq. m.) which is too small for our community’s needs and growing population. In 2015, the library completed a Space Needs Analysis Report and presented it to City Council. This report looks at options for: reconfiguring existing library space to meet our immediate needs; and expansion contiguous with existing space to meet our mid-term needs. We are hopeful that funding will be approved in the City’s 2016 Capital Budget for a reconfiguration of existing space to meet our immediate needs.

1 of 10 GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES, GOALS, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, PARTNERSHIPS

PRIORITY 1 FOCUS ON EQUITABLE ACCESS TO LIBRARY SERVICES

Library goals that support the priority:

The library’s Strategic Plan provides the following guidance in support of this priority: “Offer innovative and exciting programs and services that support our strategic direction and foster 21st century literacies”; and “Place the library everywhere.” Our annual Business Plan indicates that we will “ensure equitable access to library services.”

These goals are in progress through a number of new and ongoing initiatives that reach out to the print disabled and to new Canadians as demonstrated below by two examples: joining the National Equitable Library Service and our Adult Learners Book Club.

Following is some written feedback from members of our Adult Learner Book Club. It provides qualitative evidence of the importance that this Club has to its members – to the extent that members lobbied the library via a letter- writing campaign to arrange for a native English speaker to attend their meetings.

“I joined the Adult Learner Book Club since Jan. 2015. I find that beneficial and interesting. And our members are increasing. We are longing for a librarian who can help us sometimes if possible.”

“I’m learning English in Book Club. The member are more than 10 people now and I’m wondering that it would be great if we have a teacher who is native speaker.”

“I really love this Adult Learner Book Club. And those days I realized that our club becomes more popular now. I think. Could we have a Canadian volunteer for our club? It will be better for our club. Thank you!”

“I enjoy this book club. Can we have a librarian who speaks English as a first language please?”

Programs and/or Services that align with the priority:

1. Adult Learner Book Club

This book discussion group is for new readers of English. Its members are primarily new Canadians with English as a second language, who have completed Foundations English level classes or similar English language training. The Book Club provides an informal, safe environment in which members can practice and improve their English skills, and discuss books, while socializing and meeting new friends (feeling of community). The club meets one evening a month in the Library and has 15 to 20 members.

The Adult Learner Book Club was established in 2011, with grant funding from the Tri-Cities Adult Literacy Working Group to the three public library systems in the Tri-Cities area (Coquitlam, Port Moody and Fraser Valley Regional – Port Coquitlam branch). This grant paid for an initial collection of book club sets which are shared amongst the three libraries and staff time to facilitate clubs at each library for the first two years. When the grant ceased in 2013, the Port Moody Public Library initially took on responsibility for facilitating the sessions for its book club but then moved to a model where this responsibility was devolved to book club members. Book Club members were not happy with this

2 of 10 arrangement and lobbied the library to arrange for a native English speaker as facilitator. This resulted in a new partnership with Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities to provide a volunteer facilitator.

2. National Networks for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)

In 2015, the Library established access to NNELS, an online eAudiobook service for the print disabled. In 2014, we had upgraded our collection of lending talking book readers to equipment that accepts downloads; finally getting access to NNELS was very welcome.

We are now actively promoting and using NNELS with approximately 25 patrons who are registered with us for this service. Approximately 5 of these patrons are using NNELS independently while the others require assistance. The advantages of NNELS for our patrons include:  Access to a much larger collection of titles  Speed of access  Ability to obtain multiple copies of a title for our Ex-Libris Talking Book Club to discuss at their monthly meeting.

Partnerships that support the priority:

Adult Learner Book Club  Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities  Coquitlam Public Library and Fraser Valley Regional Library

National Equitable Library Service  BC Libraries Cooperative – service provider for NNELS

 Government of British Columbia – funding support for NNELS

 Families & caregivers – an essential partner for all talking book services

Outcomes that were identified:

Adult Learner Book Club

Participants will:  Be aware of library resources that can support their reading ( achieved)  Feel comfortable in a library setting ( achieved)

 Improve their reading and speaking skills in English

 Engage with other member to discuss books ( achieved)  Make new acquaintances ( achieved)

PRIORITY 2 INCREASED SUPPORTS FOR EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION

Library Goals that support the priority:

The library’s Strategic Plan provides the following guidance in support of this priority: (i) “Offer innovative and exciting programs and services that support our strategic direction and foster 21st century literacies.” (ii) “Engage school-age children and teens in ways that are meaningful to them.” (iii) Support the early literacy needs of pre- schoolers and connect with their parents and caregivers.” Our annual Business Plan indicates that we will “increase support for educational transformation by connecting our community with personalized learning options.”

3 of 10 These goals are in progress through a variety of new and ongoing initiatives as demonstrated by the two examples (Code Camps and Ted Talks) provided below under the heading “Programs and/or Services that align with the priority”. Following is some written feedback from participants. It provides qualitative evidence of the impact and success of these initiatives in creating community-based, personalized learning opportunities that help learners of all ages to reach their goals.

Code Camps:

“I brought my kids to how to build your first game during the reading program in the summer. It was just 2hrs but was amazing and great start. I wish they will have another chance to participate in another one similar and even learn the second level for programming and building.”

“Thank you very much for hosting Code Camp. Both of my boys loved it and we’re very excited about continuing their work at home. ”

Ted Talks (TED2015)

“I attended three Ted Talks at the Inlet Theatre and found them inspiring, expansive, informative, and very well presented. I want to thank the Library Management for getting these talks and allowing the public to attend free of charge in a comfortable setting. I can’t think of a better use of library time and resources. I will be sure to attend all of the sessions next year if the library is fortunate enough to get them again. Thank you again for this wonderful gift of education. The only regret I have is that I didn’t discover the library Ted Talks sooner.

“Please keep affording access to the Ted Talks. This is a most amazing opportunity to expand one’s thought and enjoy the incredible ideas of such individuals.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to hear the TED talks in such a comfortable theatre. We are so fortunate to have this access to knowledge.”

“Ted Talks are excellent. Wonderful venue. Please continue to show TED in the future. I love your library – lovely building and great atmosphere.”

“Thank you for hosting the TED talks. They have been inspiring and amazing! Best think for keeping the mind active!”

Programs and/or Services that align with the priority:

4 of 10 1. Code Camps:

In 2015, the library began offering free introductory scratch code workshops for parents and tweens at our Code Camps. A total of 190 participants attended 15 workshops during the year. The workshops were based on the premise that coding is a key component of digital literacy, and a core 21st century skill. Understanding code fundamentals will increase access to information, improve job prospects, and provide different learning paths for problem solving and mathematics skills. Because of the close alignment with our literacy mandate, and the lack of code programs available in the community, the library designed programming to fill this gap.

Code camps bring tweens aged 8-12 together with their parents in a small classroom setting. Children and parents use their own or library laptops to practice the basics of scratch code, with librarians acting as instructors, facilitators, and mentors. During this 2 hour program, families receive an orientation from staff, then progress through the Hour of Code program to learn code basics. Families then work together on a Scratch code project, with the option of saving their work to continue at home, or returning at a subsequent library program to continue with staff assistance.

The Code Camp programs were designed to require parent participation, which is a relatively unique program feature. We felt that this program element would make it far more likely that children would continue practicing program skills at home, since a parent would have also been exposed to the content and be available to provide support. We are also able to teach a wider range of ages with parents in attendance, acting as additional resources for their children.

When implementing this program, we found that many parents are very interested in understanding the basics of code in order to support the updated public school curriculum. Although we designed the program with children in mind as an audience, adults have also reported significant learning.

Based on the popularity of the Code Camps, we have included elements of code instruction in many of our intergenerational events, including our Retro Tech Day and Star Wars Reads Day. We also ran an event celebrating the international Hour of Code, which highlighted coding resources and projects to diverse library audiences. We now look for ways to include code demos and activities in programs for all types of audiences.

2. TED Talks (TED2015)

In 2015, the Library organized a free live webstream of all mainstage program sessions at the TED2015 conference, which was held in Vancouver (March 16 to 20). TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). It welcomes people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. The organization believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world

We were able to provide these viewings free to our members and community thanks to the generosity of the TED organizers who believe that ”inspiration happens in a group, rarely alone in front of a computer” – and thanks to the City of Port Moody who offered complimentary use of the Inlet Theatre. A further partnership with SFU’s Continuing Education Department allowed us to offer two special Philosopher’s Café sessions – “Media Trends” (immediately following the Pop-Up Magazine TED session) and “Just and Unjust” (immediately following the TED session with the same name). At these special sessions, attendees were able to discuss and debate the great ideas presented in the TED sessions.

The program reached out to a wide audience of approximately 650 people, some of whom had not previous attended a library event. The audience response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic with words such as “inspiring”, “amazing”, “incredible ideas”, “informative” and even “a wonderful gift of education” used to describe its impact. There is a lack of this type of educational program in our community, and the event helped fill a very big gap.

Partnerships that support the priority:

TED Talks

5 of 10 TED Live Vancouver (Access to free live webstream of TED2015 conference in Vancouver) City of Port Moody (Complimentary use of Inlet Theatre) SFU Continuing Education (Facilitator for the Philosopher’s Café sessions)

Outcomes that were identified:

Code Camps

Participants will:  Understand the basics of how coding works ( achieved)

 Understand how code controls computers, mobile devices, games, etc. ( achieved)

 Understand that everyone can write code ( achieved)

 Create one individual project using Scratch Code ( achieved)

 Be aware of specific library and web resources that can further their understanding of code ( achieved)

 Continue learning about code outside of the library setting

 Use code skills to modify electronic devices to fit individual and social needs

TED Talks

Audience members will:

 Have a deeper knowledge of topics presented at sessions attended. ( achieved)

 Continue learning about these topics outside of the program session.

 Be aware of where to find more TED Talks online as an independent learning resource.

 Engage with other attendees to discuss the topics presented. ( achieved)

PRIORITY 3 SUPPORT FOR THE BC JOBS PLAN BY IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR JOB SEEKERS IN BC

Library Goal that supports the priority:

The library’s Strategic Plan provides the following guidance in support of this priority: (i) “Offer innovative and exciting programs and services that support our strategic direction and foster 21st century literacies” and (ii) “Place the library everywhere.” Our annual Business Plan indicates that we will “support the BC Jobs Plan by improving outcomes for job seekers.”

This goal is in progress. 2015 initiatives have largely been in partnership with the local Work BC Contractor, Training Innovations.

Programs and/or Services that aligns with the priority:

6 of 10 Job Search Workshops and Job Fair

In 2015, the library delivered a suite of job readiness programs in partnership with Training Innovations, the local Work BC contractor. The focus was on skill-based workshops aimed at improving job access and connecting job seekers with additional employment resources. Workshops were delivered in the library space, which allowed access by job seekers who did not fit Work BC’s client intake criteria. Programs included fundamental themes, such as resume creation and interview skills, and more complex topics, such as navigating online job applications. Specialty workshops targeted local audiences that have specific needs, such as mothers returning from extended maternity leaves and newcomers looking for Canadian experience. Workshop attendees who met Work BC intake criteria were often registered at the end of the program to facilitate service delivery.

The library also partnered with Work BC on a job fair. This event was a first for Port Moody, and involved multiple employers and over 150 job seekers. Work BC coordinated the employers, while the library provided staff and space, and spearheaded publicity and communication with relevant service agencies in the community.

Because of the relationships built through these initiatives, library staff frequently refer job search customers to the local Work BC site. Work BC employees in turn refer clients who have digital literacy gaps, as our technology programs and public access computers can help them to build the skills that Work BC staff have identified as barriers to employment. This reciprocal arrangement benefits job seekers in our community, and extends the reach of how we can assist our community in meeting their employment goals.

Partnerships that support the priority:

Port Moody WorkBC office (Training innovations)

Job Fair

Value Village Nurse Next Door Wayne’s Gardens Dollarama Mister Transmission Home Depot Rona Winners Concord Security City of Port Moody Canadian Property Stars Thrifty Foods Canadian Pacific Railway

Outcomes that were identified:

Job seekers will:  Be aware of Work BC and understand the range of services they provide ( achieved)

 Be aware of library job search resources ( achieved)

 Be aware of staff-led and self-led technology training opportunities at the library ( achieved)

 Connect with Work BC staff as a client - if eligible ( achieved)

 Use workshop skills to improve access to job opportunities

Library staff will:  Be aware of Work BC and understand the range of services they provide ( achieved)  Refer clients to Work BC as appropriate ( achieved)  Receive clients from Work BC and connect them with relevant resources and training opportunities (achieved)

Work BC Staff will:

7 of 10  Be aware of the library and understand the range of services we provide to job seekers ( achieved)  Refer clients to the library as appropriate ( achieved)  Receive clients from the library and connect them with available resources according to intake criteria (achieved)

PRIORITY 4 COLLABORATION BETWEEN LIBRARIES AND OTHER PARTNERS

Library Goal that supports the priority:

A foundational element of the library’s strategic plan is “strategic partnerships to extend the impact of the library” and, in particular, to “develop strategic partnerships and foster collaborative relationships with other libraries as well as community and government organizations and agencies”.

This goal is in progress through a variety of new and ongoing initiatives. The example provided below is one of our longer term collaborations that provides seamless access, on a monthly basis, to a range of community service providers for Tri-City families with children aged 3 to 10 years.

Programs and/or Services that aligns with the priority:

1. Family Play & Learn:

For the past 8 years, the library has partnered with many other local non-profit agencies and organizations to present a monthly family literacy event at the Coquitlam Centre Mall. This public event is targeted at families with children aged 3-10. Parents and caregivers are welcome to explore the wide range of community services and resources available for this age group at display booths staffed by local service providers. Children are invited to participate in a variety of early learning activities – one of which is a family storytime presented by Children’s Librarians from local public libraries.

Approximately 100-200 people attend this event each month. The event is co-sponsored by School District 43 (lead agency), Coquitlam Centre, the Tri-Cities Early Childhood Development and the Middle Childhood Matters Committees (who roster their members – local service organizations, government agencies and individuals with an interest in childhood development – to attend the event and provide crafts for kids and resource information for parents and caregivers), and the three local public libraries systems (Coquitlam Public Library, Port Moody Public Library and Fraser Valley Regional Library – Port Coquitlam branch). The public libraries divide the events between them to ensure that each month has a library present to provide literacy and library information, and to deliver the family storytime.

Partnerships that support the priority:

 School District 43

 Tri-Cities Early Childhood Development Committee

 Tri-Cities Middle Childhood Matters Committee

 SHARE Family Services

 SUCCESS

 ISS of BC

8 of 10  Tri-City Family Place

 Place Maillardville Drop In

 Spirit of the Children

 YMCA CCRR

 Tri-Cities Neighbourhood Centres

 Westcoast Family Resource Centres

 Fraser Health Authority

 Ministry of Children and Family Development

 Municipalities of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody

 Local public libraries (Port Moody, Coquitlam and Fraser Valley Regional)

 Coquitlam Centre Mall

Outcomes that were identified:

 Parents and caregivers will have seamless “one-stop” access to a range of early childhood service providers (achieved)

 Parents and caregivers attending this event will have an increased awareness of what community services are available for the 3-10 age group (achieved)

 The library will connect with new audiences who may not be familiar with our services. (achieved)

 Library staff will connect with other early childhood service providers and build awareness of services available in the community. (achieved)

 Event attendees will get a library card (for them and/or their children)

 Event attendees will visit the library with their children to access literacy resources

 Event attendees will visit a library program with their children

SUMMARY

2015 was the second full year of implementing the library’s five year Strategic Plan and the opportunities it presents. There continued to be a strong focus on leveraging community partnerships and collaboration to provide an innovative range of new and engaging library programs. We also continued to focus on revitalizing our collections to meet popular demand, and we initiated an exciting new collection merchandizing initiative which has garnered much positive feedback from the public. On the technology front, we improved mobile access to our resources with implementation of the BiblioCommons Mobile App, and began a move to RFID technology with the conversion of our collection to RFID security tags. We were pleased to see upwardly trending or stable activity statistics for 2014 in many areas (e.g. circulation, visits, program attendance).

9 of 10 Lack of space continued to be our biggest challenge. To address this challenge, we have been aggressively weeding and reducing the size of our physical collections. As mentioned in the introduction, a Library Space Needs Analysis was completed to identify immediate and mid-term strategies for addressing the space issues.

10 of 10