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October 25, 2015 - 12:00 PM
KELOWNA – Half of the Okanagan Regional Library budget increase for 2016 is wage increases for staff at branches up and down the valley.
The board of directors has approved a spending plan worth over $18.2 million, which reflects a 1.98 per cent increase from 2015. The increase amounts to an extra $351,818 tax dollars.
Half of the increase covers negotiated wage increases for the library’s unionized staff. The rest covers increased costs thanks to inflation and the lower value of the Canadian dollar, according to a media release.
The board has also decided to continue a strategic planning process to transform the public library over the next few years taking into account the system’s traditional roles and the emerging opportunities technology is creating.
The planning process will include public consultations to be held in Revelstoke, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Keremeos and Salmon Arm.
CEO Stephanie Hall says they are already hearing from people who want help with learning about technology and other who want workshops on e-publishing, access to 3-D printers, laser cutters, video and sound recording equipment.
“Some would like us to expand our work in supporting learning and literacy with more author readings, and partnering with schools and post-secondary institutions,” she says in the release.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015