Slave Lake

Regional Library Board

Town of Slave Lake and Municipal District # 124

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2014-2018
For the Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library, Smith Community Library, & Flatbush Community Library

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The Slave Lake Regional Library Board would like to thank those involved in the planning process:

COMMUNITY PLANNING MEMBERS

Jenna Gutowski Deborah Kendze Aaron Lehman Caesar Ng Shane Parmar Nicola Ramsey

SLATE OF TRUSTEES FOR THE SLAVE LAKE REGIONAL LIBRARY BOARD

Margaret M. Thunder (Chair) Peggy Laing (Vice-Chair) Kendra McRee (Treasurer) Linda Munroe (Secretary) Mark Missal (TOSL Representative) Darcie Acton (MD Representative) John Buck (Trustee)

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NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS

On February 20, 2013 Angelo Murphy of Alberta Culture facilitated a Community Plan of Service Input Session at the Slave Lake Council Chambers. The service responses were selected and goals and objectives were formulated based upon this input session as well as consultation with library staff, the Childrens Librarian Jenna Gutowski and Library Manager Shane Parmar. Senior library staff also consulted the annual patron satisfaction survey conducted in January 2013.

COMMUNITY PLAN OF SERVICE INPUT SESSION

Participants of the Community Plan of Service Input Session were asked to picture their communitys library 10 years from now successful beyond belief. The participants were then asked to describe what would make their community library so wonderful and what benefits would patrons receive from it. They were further asked to describe the value of those benefits in particular for children, teens, adults and seniors.

Former Board Chair Joe McWilliams (right) Former Board Chair Marilyn Cavanagh, Graham & Spike McCullough, Reeve Denny Garratt, Councilor Ed Procyshyn (above)

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The History of the Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library

In 1968 Stella Boisvert, E. Gunnar Wahlstrom and other supportive community members had a vision of a public library in Slave Lake. Because of their persistence, the Slave Lake Municipal Library Board was formed in 1972. In 1974 the library became a reality and shared space with the Roland Michener High School Library. At the first organizational meeting, Trevor Collister was elected Chairman and Helen Getzinger was appointed Secretary/Treasurer. Evelyn Leitch was the first Librarian and Stella Boisvert was the first patron to purchase a membership.

It soon became important to the community that the library break away from the school, so in 1981 Graham McCullough, then Chairman of the Board, compiled a report showing the need for a separate library. His efforts were rewarded in September when the library separated from the school and moved into its own location. If you were to visit Astrums Gym above The Brick, you would be standing in the new library location. Unfortunately, it was too small and wasnt accessible for all community members as there was a formidable set of stairs to climb before reaching the library. It was soon discovered that a new location was necessary once again.

Community members were astounded when a portion of the nice large parking area next to the Town Office was partially covered and a new library was built. In June of 1985, the library was welcomed to its new location next to the Town of Slave Lake Administrative Building with 4000 square feet of space. In 1986 Anne McMeekin became the Librarian and it was under her guidance that many technological advances were made. The circulation system became automated with the purchase of Columbia in 1991 and the card catalogue became a thing of the past.

The outside of the library remained a bland faade until 1996 when a class of high school art students painted a beautiful mural with the help of a professional mural artist. The result was a colorful invitation to enter the world of imagination in the library. What remains today is a somewhat faded cornucopia of wizards, dragons and fairies.

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In 1998 the Town of Slave Lake and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River #124 came together to form a joint library board and thereafter they became the Slave Lake Regional Library Board overseeing the Slave Lake Municipal Library as well as the Flatbush and Smith Community Libraries.

In 1999, the library joined the Peace Library System. This brought us out of the era of Columbia and into the world of Dynix. It was during this time of astronomical changes that the library became a community access point thanks to a donation from APLEN, and had the privilege of offering free internet access to the community. They were also fortunate to be the recipients of a grant from the Gates Foundation and received more computers, giving the children talking books and games to improve literacy.

Anne McMeekin retired after more than fifteen years with the library in 2004. The Mystery Dinner in March was held in her honor with the Honorable Pearl Calahasen, MLA, in attendance. In it, the off-the-wall members of the library board met at the Buffalo Wallow Inn Hotel & Conference Centre and Fanny Pipsqueekin, the sainted librarian was appropriately killed off.

2004 Mystery Dinner Cast Back L to R: Sheila Allan, Ken Jardine Front L to R: Spike McCullough, Glenn Allan, Anne McMeekin, Lori Herdzik, Janine Schueller, & Carrie MacDonald Manisha Khetarpal made the long journey from New Brunswick to join the staff as Librarian for a year. In April 2005, Lori Herdzik, former Program Coordinator and board member, became the Librarian. Other staff at this time included Pat McLeod, who had been with the library for more than fifteen years, lent her expertise with the Interlibrary Loans and processing of new books. Carrie MacDonald was Program Coordinator, library clerks Colleen Johnston and Jenna Gutowski (who would later become Childrens Librarian) worked in the evenings. Volunteers like Spike McCullough continued to enrich the library.

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With the growth in the population of Slave Lake and the addition of new technology to the library in the form of public computers, it became evident that the Slave Lake Library was no longer large enough to accommodate the needs of the community. Fundraising spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Slave Lake started in 2007 to build a bigger library which would be attached to the new Government Centre and Town offices. This centre would became a hub for the community and was in a convenient location so the library was easily accessible to everyone. The new building was completed by December 2009.

Deborah Kendze became Library Manager in 2010 after Lori Herdzik retired. After the move into the new facility, circulation of items, computer usage, program attendance and overall traffic to the library increased by about 35 %. Deborah would focus her energies on Youth Programming hosting several Youth Nights. Unfortunately tragedy struck in May 2011.

On May 14, 2011 a forest fire was started near Slave Lake, Alberta. As the fire grew and spread the town was evacuated on May 15, 2011. I was not there during the fire but it was hard not knowing what was happening with the town and if everyone was safe. No one but the people fighting the fire knew what was happening. We didnt know how much damage the fire was actually causing. It was one the most dangerous and ferocious forest fires they had seen in Alberta. It took from May 14 to May 16 to get the fire under control and stopped by fire fighters and volunteers. It was a very sad and scary time for all the citizens in Slave Lake and the surrounding towns. The fire had caused a lot of devastation but thankfully no one got hurt in the process. The fire had burned about one third of the town, many residents had lost their homes and some businesses were gone too, including the town hall and the library. The fire had caused a great loss to many. Memories and homes were gone, but people showed great compassion and helped those in need. It was about 2 weeks before anyone could come back to Slave Lake, lots of safety and precautions were taken so that no residents would be caused harm after the fire. Once people were able to see the destruction with their own eyes it was even harder. The people of Slave Lake remained strong and banded together. The threat of the fire had passed and it was time to face the wreckage and start rebuilding Slave Lake... We started with a small travelling library with just a couple books until finally we got a space in the Lakeside building for a temporary location until the library

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was rebuilt to its former glory. The temporary Library was able to open in the Lakeside building in January 2012 with lots of help from volunteers helping to set up the shelves, process books, and shelving. It took some time but finally the library was ready for patrons to come in and enjoy again. Unfortunately the library staffs job wasnt done quite yet, weve worked hard at continuously updating and adding to our collection, adding new programs and materials, and working on finalizing everything for the library to return to its new building... The library is now in the process of moving into the new building. There is lots of space to do new things, including an area for children and a separate area for teens. This will allow more room for program and events...We are in the process at looking at new ideas and seeing what we can create for the town. We want to build up the town with education and fun in the library. Childrens Librarian Jenna Gutowski speaking at the 113th
Annual Meeting and Convention of The National Chapter of Canada IODE, May 31st 2013

On June 18, 2013 The Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library reopened.

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MISSION
It is our mission to provide access to the world of social and cultural ideas for the community by offering a wide variety of materials, emerging technologies and programs. Our libraries have a special mission to young children and their parents to encourage a love of reading and learning. The libraries are also committed to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Town of Slave Lake and Municipal District # 124.

PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE
The Slave Lake Regional Library Board exists and maintains its service: 1. To promote and keep alive a lifelong love of learning To promote an enlightened citizenry and keep alive the positive use of peoples imaginations To provide the best possible service at all times to all persons, recognizing the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Library Association Statement of Rights and Freedoms as fundamental to the provision of that service.

2.

3.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Slave Lake Regional Library Board are: 1. To procure, organize and administer a collection of print and non-print materials which meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of all members of the Town of Slave Lake and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. To encourage intellectual stimulation and education of children and adults through the use of the library collection. To create an open and friendly atmosphere where people gather for recreational, educational and informational needs.

2. 3.

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6 PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Celebrate Diversity: Cultural Awareness

Create Young Readers: Early Literacy

Discover Your Roots: Genealogy and Local History

Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing and Listening for Pleasure

Visit a Comfortable Place: Physical and Virtual Spaces

Welcome to Canada: Services for New Immigrants

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PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Celebrate Diversity: Cultural Awareness
Residents will have programs and services that promote appreciation and understanding of their personal heritage and the heritage of others in the community

TARGET: That our communitys Aboriginal heritage is represented in all of our libraries STRATEGY: To acquire library materials in the Cree language and about Cree culture and establish current, informative and relevant Aboriginal and Metis collections of print, electronic and multimedia materials To provide activities and resources that increases Aboriginal and Metis patron memberships and Aboriginal and Metis patron use of our libraries TARGET: That our communitys linguistic diversity is represented in all of our libraries print, electronic and multimedia materials STRATEGY: To acquire library materials that by 2015 there will be a 25% increase in the International Language Collection with a particular emphasis on Tagalog, Spanish, and Asian languages To acquire library materials that by 2015 there will be a 25% increase in the French Language collection TARGET: That each year of the Plan of Service a minimum of 2 programs/events will be undertaken to celebrate the communitys diversity

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PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Create Young Readers: Early Literacy
Children from birth to age five will have programs and services designed to ensure they will enter school ready to learn to read, write and listen

TARGET: The communitys preschool children and their caregivers will have access to both literacy skill development and programs in reading readiness STRATEGY: That by 2015 there is a minimum of two early literacy skill development programs offered weekly for caregivers and their children. One will be for babies and their caregivers and the other for toddlers and their caregivers That by 2015 the Flatbush Community Library and Smith Community Library will have at minimum one early literacy skill development program offered weekly for caregivers and their children TARGET: That by 2015 there is a 10% increase of circulation material for young and preschool children at both the Flatbush Community Library and Smith Community Library STRATEGY: That new material for young and preschool children in print, electronic and multimedia form are acquired and promoted for the Flatbush Community Library and Smith Community Library

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STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

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PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Discover Your Roots: Genealogy and Local History
Residents and visitors will have the resources they need to connect the past with the present through their family histories and to understand the history and traditions of the community

TARGET: That by 2014 there is an established Archives, Rare Books & Special Collections that provides access to relevant historical material for the community of the local region and Northern Alberta STRATEGY: That a properly staffed and equipped archive is established by 2014 at one of the libraries TARGET: That by 2014 there is an ongoing digitization project of photographs and other material which are made accessible to the public in electronic format STRATEGY: That by 2014 equipment is purchased to ensure that a digitization project is possible and that staff are trained to ensure that the material is accessible to patrons TARGET: That local history and relevant material are properly acquired and maintained STRATEGY: That a qualified Archivist in good standing with the Archives Society of Alberta (ASA) creates a donor acquisition policy and engages the community for relevant donations of historical material

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STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

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PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Stimulate Imagination: Reading, Viewing and Listening for Pleasure
Residents will have materials to enhance their leisure time and will have the help they need to make choices from among the options

TARGET: Patrons will have resources in print, electronic and multimedia that will be current, innovative and will engage their imagination to enhance their reading, viewing and listening pleasure STRATEGY: There will be a 25% increase of DVDs, Audiobooks, Video games and other electronic resources (eResources) in all of our libraries Our libraries will continue to promote and encourage the use of e-Readers and e-Resources by both patrons and staff Our libraries will engage in license agreements that will continue to provide e-Resources such as downloadable e-Books and music for our patrons at no or minimum charge TARGET: Patrons of all ages are able to enjoy e-Resources in a timely manner with minimal limits to their leisure time STRATEGY: By 2014 staff will provide one on one training sessions for patrons new to e-Readers and eResources Staff will continue to learn emerging technologies and explain such resources to patrons By 2014 the Slave Lake Regional Library Board will develop a Technology Plan that will keep track of future technology needs and budget for them

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STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

2014-2018

PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Visit a Comfortable Place: Physical and Virtual Spaces
Residents will have safe and welcoming physical places to meet and interact with others or to sit quietly and read and will have open and accessible virtual spaces that support networking

TARGET: Children, Young Adults and Adults will have dedicated areas to sit, study and interact STRATEGY: By 2014 our libraries will have dedicated areas for children to read and play. Children will have access to computers dedicated to them. Young Adults will have an area which is dedicated to YA resources and areas of study. Adults will have an area where they can book a meeting or study free from excessive noise TARGET: Children, Young Adults and Adults will have a dedicated area to share and enjoy local art STRATEGY: By 2014 our libraries will have a dedicated art wall and/or display cases that will promote and display local and regional art By 2014 our libraries will have a minimum of four performances per year of local and/or regional performers (artists, writers, singers, etc.) TARGET: Seniors, physically or developmentally challenged (homebound patrons) will have full access to library resources STRATEGY: By 2015 homebound library services are provided for patrons in need

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STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

2014-2018

PRIORITY SERVICE RESPONSES FOR THE 2014-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN OF SERVICE

Welcome to Canada: Services for New Immigrants
New immigrants and refugees will have information on citizenship English/French language training, employment, public schooling, health and safety, available social services and any other topics that they need to participate successfully in Canadian life

TARGET: New Canadians living in the region will have access to information that will enable them to transition into Canadian society STRATEGY: By 2014 websites for the libraries will have e-Resources for earning citizenship, obtaining a drivers license, employment standards, social services and continuing their education Libraries will increase by 10% print materials by the government for new Canadians By 2014 libraries will engage in partnerships with local colleges and organizations that will enable new Canadians to learn English either at these organizations or to partner with volunteer tutors at the libraries. TARGET: Programming and special events will reflect the interests of new Canadians in the region STRATEGY: By 2014 libraries will have programming that will bring cultural awareness to special events such as Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo and Diwali

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2014-2018

Slave Lake

Regional Library Board

Town of Slave Lake and Municipal District # 124 The Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library Box 540 50 Main Street SW Slave Lake, Alberta ph: 780 849 5250 The Smith Community Library Box 134 921-9 Street Smith, Alberta ph: 780 829 2389 The Flatbush Community Library Hwy 44 Community Complex General Delivery Flatbush, Alberta ph: 780 681 3756

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