Delta’s library plan will be up for debate at the George Mackie Library on Sept. 6.
The public consultation session will be taking place at the library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to give residents a chance to comment on the Delta’s current library system, and give input into the municipalities library plan.
A draft library plan was approved by council on May 8. Delta staff are expected to provide a revised library plan for council’s approval by the end of the year.
The draft library plan outlines a number of improvements that could help Delta’s libraries remain consistent with the rest of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) system.
Although Delta’s libraries are planned, owned and maintained by the municipality, FVRL provides the staff to run the libraries.
Improvements across all three libraries are discussed in the draft plan; however, it specifically recommends the creation of an integrated service desk at the George Mackie Library to “enhance the cross-training of Delta staff and maximize existing staffing,” as well using Rick Hansen Accessibility Grant funding to improve the library’s accessibility.
Across all three libraries, the plan recommends that Delta staff develop a list of strategic building improvements and explore additional parking options.
The draft library plan also outlines a number of weaknesses specific to the George Mackie Library, including under-staffing compared to optimal service levels, and a lack of space.
For those residents that can’t make it to the public information sessions, Delta has set up an online survey at http://delta.ca/your-government/delta’s-projects/future-of-delta-libraries.
Other meetings will also be held in South Delta: one at the Ladner Pioneer Library on Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the other at the Tsawwassen Library on Friday, Sept. 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.