‘FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL L

Contact: Stephanie Massingham-Pearce
Manager, Communications

Release Date: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#93-40

LIBRARY BUDGET MARKED FOR EXPANSION

The Fraser Valley Regional Library Board is recommending a 1994 budget of $9,942,288
to its municipal and school board members.

The proposed budget reflects a six per cent increase from 1993. Once approved, it will
add 63 cents to the current average per capita cost of $16.68, to total $17.31 -- less than
the cost of one bestseller at the bookstore.

“The vast majority of the increase, 4.5 per cent, represents Library Board commitments
to new branches and services. The remaining increase, some 1.6 per cent, addresses
development of present services,” says Gordon Ray, FVRL Executive Director.

"Our commitments to new branches are greater than ever and create a conflict with the
needs for ongoing operating expenses and technological innovation," he adds.

The increase will pay for staff and materials in two new branches - Walnut Grove and
Mission -- as well as service on the Saturdays of long weekends. Traditionally, the
library has remained closed from Friday evenings through to Tuesday mornings of
holiday weekends.

The budget also reflects the Board’s renewed commitment to continue InterLINK, a
co-operative 12-member library network that becomes permanent next year.

The remaining 1.6 per cent increase will pay for community relations and staff
development programs, payroll costs, FAX operating costs and further installation of
computerized catalogue service. .

Excluded from the proposed budget were more staff hours for delivery service as well
as Agassiz, South Delta, Ladner and Chilliwack branches; staff replacement hours; an
employee recognition program; money to cover library materials price increases, as well
as a transfer to reserves for future purchase of delivery vehicles. There will be no new
formats, such as CDs, next year.

Demand for FVRL services is expected to rise five per cent next year in existing

locations, compared with a four per cent growths : of September 1, FVRL
P P ree

card holders totalled 268,512. System Headquarters: 604-859-7141

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