Thursday, February 20, 2014

North Okanagan politicians take reins of library board

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 20, 2014 at 6:00 AM
Governance of the valley's library services is distinctly North Okanagan. Catherine Lord, a Vernon councillor, was elected Okanagan Regional Library chairperson Wednesday, while Coldstream Coun. Maria Besso is vice-chairperson. Lori Mindnich, a Lumby councillor, has been selected as chairperson of the finance committee. Lord says the organization, which covers from Princeton to Golden, has a number of issues to pursue. "We have a strategic plan that we're following and there's a financial model," she said. "We want to even out what communities put into the service (finally) and what services they get out." On top of this, ORL is attempting to keep up with technological advances such as ebooks. "We will always have physical books but libraries are looking at where they are going," said Lord. ORL directors have been told that the Vernon branch may reopen to patrons Monday. The branch has been closed, except for book returns and hold pick-ups, since a burst pipe cause flooding Feb. 10. If the facility opens Monday, it's expected the children's area will be relocated to the second floor because repairs are still being done to the main floor. At least $50,000 in damages were caused by the flood, and ORL has a $2,500 insurance deductible.

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