2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the Board Chair and CEO
As we look back on the past year, we are immensely grateful for the resourcefulness of our staff, the enthusiasm of our patrons, and the unwavering support from our community. This year was filled with both opportunities and challenges, and as we turn the page to our next chapter, we recognize the exceptional efforts and contributions of our team of dedicated staff.
Guided by our 2021-2023 Strategic Bridging Plan, we prioritized meeting the diverse needs and interests of the community. From supporting initiatives such as the BC Newcomer Services Program to providing free menstrual products in all washrooms, and hosting engaging events, this year was about ensuring everyone felt welcome and could benefit from the resources and opportunities we offer.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the future. We are committed to making our spaces more inclusive, accessible, and engaging. We are dedicated to ensuring our libraries are vital hubs of learning, connection, and inspiration. Our transition to an overdue fine-free model in January 2024 marked a significant step toward removing barriers to access and making it easier for everyone to enjoy our services and resources.
To our dedicated staff and our supportive community members, thank you. Together, we are building a dynamic, inclusive, and responsive library system. We invite you to delve into this annual report and explore our journey during 2023.
With warm regards,
Andrew Appleton, Board Chair
2023 Greater Victoria Public Library Board, Appointees by Municipality
Central Saanich
Councillor Bob Thompson
Colwood
Councillor Ian Ward
Esquimalt
Councillor Duncan Cavens
Highlands
Councillor Karel Roessingh
Langford
Rebecca McClure
Councillor Mark Morley
Metchosin
Councillor Shelly Donaldson
Oak Bay
Councillor Andrew Appleton (Chair)
Saanich
Matthew Boyd
Joy Davis
Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff
Art Pollard
Nik White
Victoria
Shahira Khair (Vice Chair)
Councillor Susan Kim
Scott Landsdowne
Ramesh Ranjan
Andrea Zeelie-Varga
View Royal Councillor Gery Lemon
Greater Victoria Public Library’s service area is located within the traditional territories of many First Nations, known today as the Songhees First Nation and Xwsepsəm (Esquimalt) First Nation, as well as the WSÁNEĆ Nations and Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation.
Their historical relationships with the land and sea continue to this day. It is an honour to work on these sacred lands that they have stewarded since time immemorial.
Digital Literacy and Access
Providing tools to apply for jobs, complete schoolwork, access government services, and stay connected with family and friends remains a vital part of our work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable Greater Victoria. With over 136,500 public computer logins and more than 296,000 Wi-Fi connections across our system in 2023, the sustained demand for access to computers and the internet highlights our role in bridging the digital divide and empowering the community. The addition of 32 new public computers across our system during 2023 was a key component of the 2021-2023 Strategic Bridging Plan aimed at helping the community thrive in a digital world.
1,620,343
136,596
In 2023, we expanded our popular Fastreads collection to include e-books and e-audiobooks, making a wide selection of adult fiction and nonfiction titles available to the community. The Fastreads collection is designed to provide quick and convenient access to the latest bestsellers and high-demand titles. Like the physical Fastreads collection, titles on the digital Fastreads shelf have a shorter loan period and cannot be placed on hold or renewed. The shorter loan period ensures that titles are available sooner. With our OverDrive checkouts surpassing one million in 2023, it is evident that the popularity of digital content is continuing to rise.
In July, we introduced Library TechPlay at the Bruce Hutchison, Central, and Nellie McClung Branches. Launched as a pilot, this program includes technology-based toys like Squeakee the Balloon Dog, Code and Go Robot Mouse, and Snap Circuit Arcade Kit, which introduce children to fundamental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) principles. Building on the success of the Digital Media Lab at the Esquimalt Branch, these tech toys encourage creativity and exploration through play.
In August, GVPL librarians travelled to Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to present Library TechPlay at the prestigious International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Conference 2023 poster session. The poster reached an audience of over 3,500 conference participants from more than 120 countries, highlighting GVPL’s commitment to delivering fun and interactive ways for children to learn while also helping to bridge the digital divide.
Recognizing the critical importance of digital security, we increased our investment in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity during 2023, including bolstering ongoing staff training. Our staff security awareness training completion rate is 85 percent, surpassing the industry average of 70 percent.
New York, New York…Times!
In June, GVPL became the first public library in the province to offer its patrons access to the full suite of digital products from NYTimes. com. This exciting new addition includes everything from breaking news and in-depth articles to delectable recipes and engaging games. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the more than 25,000 sessions logged in the first six months. This enthusiastic reception reinforces the value and appeal of this high-quality digital content.
GVPL staff at the IFLA conference in Rotterdam talking about Library TechPlay.
2023 BY THE NUMBERS
1,663,560 IN-PERSON VISITS
9,650+ BC SUMMER READING CLUB PARTICIPANTS
Focused Community Building
From providing space for the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society’s (VIRCS) English conversation classes to hosting Family Storytimes with Stay and Play, supporting a vibrant and interconnected Greater Victoria was at the core of our work in 2023.
During the year, we were fortunate to host two special author events in our spaces. In March, the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch was the backdrop for an interview with Canada Reads finalist Michael Christie, author of ‘Greenwood.’ All Points West host Jason D’Souza interviewed Michael in front of a sold-out crowd and engaged audience, with their discussion broadcast on CBC the following day. In October, the Esquimalt Branch welcomed bestselling author Susan Juby for an in-person talk as part of the One Book, One Community program.
In partnership with IslandLink Library Federation and Kootenay Library Federation libraries, the One Book, One Community program was embraced by GVPL patrons; during the two-month program, the inaugural selection, ‘Mindful of Murder’, was checked out over 1,500 times.
In June, we unveiled our 2023 Emerging Local Authors Collection (ELAC) during a reception held in the courtyard of the Central Branch. The 2023 collection, the largest to date, included over 170 local authors and illustrators and more than 260 books. Featuring a diverse range of voices and providing a platform that enables aspiring writers to connect with a broader audience, the ELAC program brings community members together, making the library a more inclusive space.
Author Susan Juby speaks to an enthusiastic audience at the One Book, One Community event.
installation.
In late November, the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch welcomed an engaging sculptural and interactive art installation titled ‘Love Begets Love’. Created by City of Victoria Poet Laureate Marie Metaphor Specht and Gabrielle Odowichuck, this captivating installation was loaned to GVPL as part of a series of poetry workshops and an open-mic performance. The ‘Love Begets Love’ display, which remained at the library for most of the following year, features a collection of coloured, heart-shaped lanterns that employ carefully engineered
Bookin’ It! GVPL Branch Bike Tour 2023
In June, Andrew Appleton, Board Chair, and Shahira Khair, Board Vice Chair, completed an extraordinary journey, cycling nearly 70 kilometers to visit all 12 GVPL locations in a single day. Sharing their journey on social media to raise awareness about the importance of local libraries, the pair met with enthusiastic library staff at each stop, creating a curated list of literary treasures and must-see collections and spaces across GVPL’s branches.
colour-changing light patterns to symbolize diverse networks of loving relationships.
Extending our reach beyond our physical spaces continued to be a focus of our work in 2023.
Participating in events like the Peninsula Country Market in Saanichton, Upper Fort StreetFest!, and the Brentwood Bay Festival allowed us to bring the library into the community. From talking to over 5,200 schoolchildren as part of class visits to promote our BC Summer Reading Club to participating in BC Book Days events with our colleagues from the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) and celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day with our partners at The Victoria Foundation, we took time to engage with our community outside the walls of the library.
The finish line at Oak Bay Branch.
‘Love Begets Love’ art
Photo courtesy of the City of Victoria.
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2023 BY THE NUMBERS
3,756,707 PHYSICAL ITEMS CIRCULATED 2,120,908 DIGITAL ITEMS CIRCULATED
Making a Difference, Showing our Impact
In 2023, we initiated an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) project to review and appraise our policies and practices. Led by an external consultant, this work involved developing an EDIA framework and identifying areas for improvement in how we serve diverse populations. By embedding EDIA considerations into our operations, we are better positioned to identify and rectify biases or barriers that may hinder inclusivity.
Throughout the year, we continued work initiated in 2022 to streamline our approach to customer service.
‘Delivering Patron-Centred Service’ was rolled out across our library system in January 2023, with over 170 staff members trained on this new philosophy of
service excellence, which emphasizes personalized interactions and inclusive practices. Consistent training ensures that all staff members provide a uniform level of service, creating a reliable experience for patrons and making their library visits more enjoyable and productive.
In late 2023, we introduced a Learning and Development (L&D) Framework. This robust model underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that all staff have access to the resources and opportunities they need to grow and excel. This initiative empowers staff through comprehensive training programs, development opportunities, and support systems. By implementing this framework, we are investing in our most valuable asset—our people—and aim to drive organizational excellence and innovation.
In response to the evolving societal dynamics within our communities, we continued to prioritize safety and security within our physical spaces during 2023. From providing additional violence prevention and de-escalation training for staff to adding more on-site security personnel at the Central Branch, and continued collaboration with local police, we remain committed to ensuring our spaces are welcoming and safe.
Thank you for being a Friend!
In December, the Friends of the Library (FOL) voted to dissolve, citing changes in volunteer composition and shifting priorities following the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for their decision.
The relationship between GVPL and the Friends spans nearly seven decades. During this time, the Friends provided financial support that strengthened the library’s collections and services, most notably enhancing literacy programs like the BC Summer Reading Club and establishing the Indigenous Reads displays. Over the last fifteen years alone, their collective efforts have raised close to $1,000,000 for our libraries.
In February 2024, we hosted a celebration to recognize and thank the Friends for their decades of service. Held at the sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branch, the evening featured a reading by Marie Metaphor Specht, the City of Victoria’s current Poet Laureate. The event honoured and thanked the Friends, and President Irwin Henderson, for their significant contributions to GVPL and the wider community. The Friends presented a final donation of $24,702.95, which will be used to enhance the children’s areas in all 12 of our branches. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of the Friends of the Library. Their legacy will continue to benefit our community for years to come.
Library Reopens with Energy-Efficient Upgrades
From late January to early June, the Oak Bay Branch was temporarily closed after asbestos-contaminated dust was discovered in an isolated area. To ensure continued service, a pop-up library was established in the Monterey Recreation Centre during the abatement process. During the closure, minor renovations were completed, including installing energy-efficient LED lighting and spray foam insulation in the roof space. These upgrades have not only increased energy efficiency but have also reduced our greenhouse gas emissions.
Happy Oak Bay patrons at the reopening of the Oak Bay Branch.
FOL’s President Irwin Henderson (centre) presents a final cheque.
2023 BY THE NUMBERS 22,340+ NEW CARDHOLDERS 137,695 CARDHOLDERS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
Making Space for Everyone to be Safe,
Respected, and Valued
From curating a diverse collection that reflects the experiences, cultures, and perspectives of our community members, to collaborating with local organizations to address unmet needs and elevate voices of underrepresented populations, our work during 2023 continued to be guided by the goal of ensuring equitable service for all.
Since 2017, GVPL, in partnership with Carmen Rodriguez de France, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria, has hosted a book club focused on the works of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Sessions are held via
Zoom on Saturday mornings and are open to anyone interested in learning about Indigenous history, culture, and ways of being, as shared through stories authored by Indigenous creators. In 2023, over 90 people participated in the Indigenous Stories Book Club, engaging in reading, listening, and learning through facilitated discussion.
In April, we introduced unrestricted access to menstrual products across our 12 branches, providing free menstrual products to all library users in a manner that protects privacy, respects all gender identities and expressions, and helps reduce inequities. Available in all public and staff women’s, men’s, gender-neutral, and accessible washrooms, this initiative supports our ongoing efforts to create spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and safe, thereby supporting the health and well-being of the community. Additionally, we signed the United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s Period Promise Policy Agreement, which requires organizations to commit to providing a range of free menstrual products to employees, clients, and community members. Signing this agreement signifies our commitment to helping to eradicate period poverty in the province.
GVPL Librarians Jennifer and Fatima with Carmen Rodriguez de France (right).
In June, we welcomed a travelling pop-up museum exhibit that highlighted the personal histories of refugees from Southeast Asia who found sanctuary in Canada between 1975 and 1985. The Hearts of Freedom exhibition, which was at the Central Branch for two weeks, was created by the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM) and took visitors on a journey through the triumphs and challenges faced by refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
During 2023, water bottle filling stations were installed at the Oak Bay, Juan de Fuca, and Central Saanich Branches, joining the Central, Saanich Centennial, Nellie McClung, Esquimalt, and sxweŋxwəŋ təŋəxw James Bay Branches in offering chilled, filtered water from accessible dispensers. By providing access to clean and safe drinking water, these water bottle filling stations are part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste in our community.
Demonstrating our Commitment to being a Welcoming Space
In 2023, the City of Victoria launched a welcome sticker campaign to support 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies. The sticker, prominently displayed on the glass doors and windows of all GVPL branches, features the word ‘Welcome’ alongside the Intersex Inclusive Progress Pride flag in the shape of a heart. By participating in this campaign, our libraries demonstrate their commitment to being welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces.
The Hearts of Freedom exhibit at the Central Branch.
Thank you, Donors!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors. Supporting the library means investing in the future of our community. We hope these testimonials inspire and resonate with you.
My daughter has done this (BC Summer Reading Club) every year since kindergarten! Next year will be her final year as she will be 12! It is always a highlight of our summer. Thank you GVPL for this wonderful and fun programme! My daughter has all her treasures from every year and they are so special to her! Barbara P.
I appreciate what you do for my community of James Bay. Julie O.
So proud of everything our local libraries do for our community! Veronica C.
Friendly helpful staff with excellent facilities. Lovely to have such a gem as a local community resource. Malcolm P.
I love this library! Great for children, huge selections, nice big space. Helpful and friendly staff. Thank you. Chantel D.
