Fraser Valley Regional Library Board Response
Public Library Legislation SECOND DRAFT
A White Paper for Public Review -5- May 11, 1993

PART 4
REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICTS

The Board is opposed to the proposal to discontinue the establishment of Regional Library
Districts. The problems inherent in the present model exist in all regional government
organizations which cover many political jurisdictions.

For many years Regional Library Districts have been offering exceptional value in the
delivery of public library services that is not recognized in these proposals. The proposals
in Part 4 do not strengthen, but in fact weaken the regional library model.

27. CONTINUATION OF REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICTS AND BOARDS

(3) The Board disagrees with the proposal that Regional Library Districts not be
allowed to add to their membership. Two contiguous areas in the Fraser Valley,
the Maple Ridge School District and the Village of Harrison will have no other
alternative if they wish to establish a library service in the future, other than to
establist a very small independeat library. This would be uneconomic and
provide a smail P.L.A. type library service that the Province should be inoving
away from.

HOW THE LIBRARY BOARD IS APPOINTED

(2) The Board does not support the provision which removes employees or private
citizens from the Board. This proposal is also in direct conflict with the
statement on Page 7 of the White Paper that:
“To ensure the highest possible standard of service, all library boards
will be composed of both community appointees and local government
officials."

. TERM OF OFFICE
( 1) and ( 2)

The Board does not support the two year term of office for board members with
no limit.

The Board proposes a three year term of office, consistent with municipal
election terms, with a maximum term of nine years.!_ ITEM | PAGE

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