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The Moose Jaw Public Library plans to launch a new website and logo next year to enhance customer satisfaction and improve communications so it can “tell a compelling story of what the library does.”
Those are some items the organization plans to pursue in 2024, while there is more it hopes to accomplish, explained head librarian Gwen Fisher, who spoke to city council on Nov. 29 during its first 2024 budget meeting that focused on third-party groups.
The library is asking for operating funding of $1,289,460, an increase of $30,019 — or 2.38 per cent — compared to this year.
The extra money will support:
- Wage increases related to a negotiated three-per-cent increase
- Increases in telephone costs
- A small decrease in the equipment reserve contribution
- A small decrease in office expenses due to efficiencies
Meanwhile, the library will focus on six goals that align with the 2023-25 strategic plan:
- Establishing the library as a community hub
- Completing equipment replacement
- Highlighting the team’s work locally, provincially and nationally
- Managing safety and social issues exemplarily
- Building a strong, diverse staff team that is trained, prepared and compensated well
- Strengthening and building on community partnerships and building visibility in the community
“This year, our library has been a hub of inspiration and enriched residents’ lives in countless ways,” Fisher said. “… our library is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the community.”
Some highlights included The Saskatchewan Philharmonic Orchestra performing; the creation of the chess club; a bikes and books event with the Literacy Network in Crescent Park; and receiving a grant from the Canadian Space Agency to purchase laptops, robotics and telescopes for educational programming.
Other highlights included the purchase of a new projector and sound system for the library theatre; completion of a thorough inventory and appraisal of the library collection; supporting 572 kids through the city’s summer parks program; attracting 442 people per week for story time in Crescent Park; and completing the library’s first-ever strategic plan.
The board adjusted its schedule to enhance efficiencies and reduce red tape, which meant lengthening the meetings but reducing the number throughout the year, said Fisher.
The board also conducted a feasibility study on the use of the library’s space, which is important since library usage from 40 years ago is not the same as today, she continued.
Safety is of “utmost importance,” which is why it is working with city administration to address those issues, Fisher said. Staff are trained to de-escalate situations and ensure the dignity of the people with whom they’re speaking remains intact. If that fails, the offender is told to leave or is banned.
The library also increased commissioners’ hours, increased surveillance of the washrooms and is working with the police service to create a safer environment.
“Our strategy is to uphold compassion and dignity for all while upholding our expectations … ,” added Fisher. “We understand the library can’t solve all our community members’ problems, but we can learn about where individuals can get help and support them as they attempt to access those resources.”
Many people talk about safety in Moose Jaw and even say no one goes to the library anymore because of concerns — but that’s untrue, said Coun. Heather Eby. She commended the library’s staff for how they have handled difficult situations.
“It’s not a library like it used to be, but the Moose Jaw Public Library is doing awesome under your leadership. It’s such a vital part of what’s happening in Moose Jaw … “ Eby added.
Coun. Crystal Froese also commended the library’s efforts to keep itself relevant and modern and applauded staff for supporting people with problems, noting employees are not always recognized for that work.
The next budget meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 6.
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