The Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is shown in this contributed image.
Image Credit: Contributed
May 15, 2015 - 12:27 PM
KELOWNA - The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Board of Directors reviewed and accepted a clean audit of the 2014 Financial Statements at their Board meeting yesterday. Auditors BDO reported that the ORL’s revenues and expenses were very close to what was budgeted and consistent with previous years, with the exception of costs associated with the construction of the new Summerland branch due to open in late summer.
Taking Summerland out of the equation, total revenues for the regional library system were slightly higher than the previous year, totaling $17,150,067. Likewise, expenses were slightly elevated to $17,613,159 with an increase in acquisition of electronic resources and modest wage increases. The ORL’s Financial Manager, Don Nettleton, also reported that revenues and expenses for the first quarter of 2015 are in line with budget projections.
The ORL Board is embarking on a strategic planning process, and participated in a session reviewing the previous 2012-2015 plan and defining what success looks like for the future of the library. In order to accomplish this, the Board wants to learn more about how libraries are being utilized in the region, best practices from other libraries, and hear from their communities about what services matter to them in a landscape of change.
Updates about branches included:
- The downtown Kelowna Branch will be look at for a reconfiguration in order to provide new technology-based services and maximize synergies with the adjacent Okanagan Centre for Innovation.
- Rutland branch is being expanded from its current 6,000 up to 10,000 sq feet and is targeted to open in early June.
- Director Carol Zanon reported that the District of West Kelowna held its budget consultation at the West Kelowna branch, which brought more public engagement than in previous years.
- Director Tim Lavery reported that the Salmon Arm City Council will hold its regular council meeting at their local branch on May 25.
- Director Karla Kozakevich with the Okanagan Similkameen Regional District noted that provincial funds have been received to pave the parking lot and make the Naramata branch entrance more accessible.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015