723 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Purpose building a facility has its benefits, and that’s what developers want to provide. Are you saying the firehall will be a failure because a developer is building it? What about the arena? How about the Y in Langford, or the new library in James Bay?

The track record of success is very strong. There’s no reason to have such a negative view of such arrangements, as ultimately public facilities are in private buildings and we can build them properly from the start or have public services lease generic spaces after the fact that they hope can be made into something they need.

[Rob Randall]

I'll repeat, these satellite facilities are fantastic. I'm talking about the flagship destination, the main branch where you can have the things the small, outlying facilities can't handle. Whether it's the Y, library, or whatever. The new AGGV looks like it will still be a major facility but it's still stand-alone.

[Victoria Watcher]

I’ll repeat. there is nothing wrong with the current 40-year old temporary main branch.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 January 2021 - 12:05 PM.

[Rob Randall]

I agree. I don't think it's possible any longer to have a spectacular photo-worthy building like Vancouver and other cities to. The present location isn't pretty and the layout is a bit awkward but I can't see how it can be improved in any meaningful and practical way.

[Mike K.]

I'll repeat, these satellite facilities are fantastic. I'm talking about the flagship destination, the main branch where you can have the things the small, outlying facilities can't handle. Whether it's the Y, library, or whatever. The new AGGV looks like it will still be a major facility but it's still stand-alone.

And yet it’s in an office building. I don’t grasp the apprehension.

Will our new firehall mot be a major fire fighting facility?

[mbjj]

The check-in area downtown is rather limited, yet they have that huge lobby which sits empty. They got rid of the streamlined desk at the front where clerks sat to check out books and replaced it with awkward and unslightly "desks" with untidy cords hanging down the back, plus no place on the main floor for people to ask reference questions. People were continually being sent upstairs in search of a reference librarian. I don't know why they treat their part-time staff so poorly. People with years of knowledge and experience basically being forced out.  A lot of part-time pages have still not been called back to work, yet I hear they are interviewing for clerks (a lot of whom are doing page work at a much higher wage).

 

I happened to find this review on a job site from May of 2019. It's bang on. It's a shame they alienated so many book-loving employees: 

 

1.0

 

Coworkers were great

page (Current Employee) - Victoria, BC - 1 May 2019

It used to be a pretty good place to work till management decided to slash and burn all the temps and part time people most of whom had been there over 10yrs. They have created an environment of mistrust and betrayal. Many of my coworkers are now actively looking for new jobs as well. They treat the lowest paid people like dirt there is no work life balance you must be ready to take whatever shift they offer that week. So many other better paying jobs and employers out there stay away from GVPL at all costs.

Was this review helpful?

 

 

[Cats4Hire]

computer access now at sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch.

Central, Juan de Fuca, Nellie McClung, Saanich Centennial are now open 11-6 adding an extra hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays to 11-7 https://www.gvpl.ca/reopening-faqs/

[Victoria Watcher]

another thing about the libraries.  does maintenance staff ever service the family bathrooms there?

 

i keep putting my baby into the baby changing stations in the bathroom at the central branch, but the same baby keeps coming out.

 

any chance this might be addressed soon?  or is this just another service reduction due to the pandemic?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 February 2021 - 08:45 AM.

[Mike K.]

It’s tee-time for competitive gamers from Sooke to Sointula. Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) is announcing a partnership with Lazarus Esports to offer a first-off-its-kind North American competitive esports golf showdown, presented by Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community. Vancouver Island Regional Library Esports Golf Showdown takes full swing March 17, and anyone with a VIRL library card can enter, free of charge, for a chance to win cash and prizes. Some players will even have their play live streamed to a global audience during the #VIRLShowdown through our Canadian broadcast partner.

 

“Esports have exploded in popularity in recent years,” says VIRL’s Executive Director, Rosemary Bonanno. “As VIRL continues to expand into new markets and attract new audiences across its 39 branches, it is vital we provide services that are relevant and meaningful to our communities. The #VIRLShowdown will allow more people to take part and experience the thrill of competitive gaming — I believe we are ushering in a new era of engagement and connection for our library system.”

 

#VIRLShowdown registration is now open on a first come, first served basis. The event is free to participate in and open to all ages. All registrants must have a VIRL library card to play. Signing up for card only takes a few minutes at this link.

Play gets underway March 27 with qualifying rounds lasting until April 4. Digital athletes will participate on PGA TOUR 2K21 for PlayStation 4 and will play four qualifying rounds on the TPC Scottsdale course. Those with the top four combined fewest strokes will qualify for the live streamed #VIRLShowdown on April 11, hosted by Canadian broadcast partner, The Gaming Stadium.

 

Gamers will also compete against a “Celebrity FOREsome”, including top ranked global esports golfer and newly signed Lazarus Esports digital athlete, Steve “Sloaner” Sloan, Sara Winter (Miss Grand Canada 2020, and #TeamTaylorMadeCA), and others to be announced next week. The celebrities and gamers will participate in a PRO-AM and closest-to-the-pin competition for additional cash and prizes.

 

One of the goals of the Showdown is to raise funds for the charity, Gamers Outreach, which provides unique gaming “GO-KART’s” to hospitals of choice to aid children in their time of need. VIRL and Lazarus have chosen Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Click here to donate.

 

VIRL has partnered with Lazarus Esports, a division of Tiidal Gaming, which is a gaming and entertainment platform company. In 2010, Lazarus established Canada’s first esports team and is the highest earning esports team in the nation. The company’s numerous relationships, decades of experience, and innovative CEO, Charlie Watson, has boosted the exposure, production, and execution of the #VIRLShowdown. 

 

“At Lazarus, one of our main goals is to expand the reach and scope of competitive gaming, expanding its cultural impact and youth development,” says Charlie Watson, the company’s Founder & CEO. “By partnering with Vancouver Island Regional Library, we assisted in shaping a concept and vision that offers new and existing gamers and enthusiasts opportunities to participate who may not otherwise have had access. You never truly know which game will be the next big hit nor where the next great athlete is lurking — we aim to develop the online golf community and the golf world starting in a region that is extremely well known to golfers around the globe through this first-of-its-kind competition and partnership.”

 

“Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community is excited to partner with Vancouver Island Regional Library and Lazarus Esports for the #VIRLShowdown,” says Director of Golf, Rob Larocque. “Enabling esports players to virtually experience our facility with the closest-to-the-pin portion of the event on our signature hole — #14 on the Mountain Course — will be exciting to watch for our members and provide a memorable opportunity for the players. This hybrid type of gaming event directly impacts the community around us, expands our demographic, increases our social footprint, and drives us down new fairways for the future.”

 

The top four from the qualifiers will compete April 11 on the #VIRLShowdown’s first leg of the live event against one-another where first place will take home $2,500, second place $1,000 and third $500.  The second leg of the event will feature a PRO-AM that will award a number of prizes to the competitors. The final leg of the event will see the “Celebrity FOREsome” and four qualifiers compete for $1,000 on the custom created Par 3 Bear Mountain signature Hole 14 closest-to-the-pin competition. If a celebrity wins, their prize will be added to the charity event fundraising. Special thanks to JP “Himo” Siltala & Michael “Beers” Lenz for signing on for the event casting & talent, as well as custom in-game golf designer Jason “Blue” Pepper for his beautiful work.

All proceeds were generously donated by the following sponsors:

 

Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community
Quality Foods
Nanaimo Golf Course
Long Beach Golf Course
Panago Pizza 4 ST. Nanaimo Location
Harbourview Volkswagon
Nanaimo Night Owls/ Nanaimo Bars
Panago Canada
NEU Apparel and Lazarus Esports

“Libraries have a reputation for being at the forefront of change and disruption,” says VIRL’s Sales and Marketing Officer, Jason Kuffler. “With our push into esports, VIRL is tapping into a growing network of players, platforms, and potential new library fans. As a library system, we are all about reducing barriers, expanding access, and opening doors — this event is going to be huge for VIRL, our partners, the players, and all of the sponsors that generously contributed to its success.”

For full details, guidelines, registration details and for more information, visit: https://virl.bc.ca/esportsshowdown/.

[Victoria Watcher]

Victoria council plans to look at the feasibility of redeveloping or moving the central branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, which has been in its current location on Broughton Street since 1990.

 

A feasibility study is scheduled for completion in 15 months and has a budget of $200,000.

 

https://www.timescol...rary-1.24335341

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 June 2021 - 06:05 AM.

[spanky123]

^ So in other words the City wants to use the land for affordable housing.  I am sure that the "consultants report" will state that it is cheaper to pay some developer to build us a new library then to maintain the one we have. 

 

As an aside, according to BC Stats, library use (physical) is declining while digital lending is increasing. One would think that would imply smaller physical libraries and a larger web presence (ie like Saanich). 

Edited by spanky123, 25 June 2021 - 06:22 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

well it would be nice to see the terms of reference for the study.

 

they want to determine the feasibility of what?

 

$200,000 is a lot.

 

they say they want 17,000 more sq. ft. or something although they do not really say what they want to use it for.  other than "expansion".  if that space is not available in the current building isn't that the the end of the study?

 

i'm a bigger fan of decentralized branches.  almost anyone knows how to order in books online.  i don't know the advantage of having huge open stacks at one branch.  and the more books we have circulating the less room we need to store them.  

 

i've also said that popular library services like computer usage could be housed in other city buildings.  like city hall or rec and community centres.  or at the mall.  once a person knows how to use the system to log on etc. they need no further help.  we should also get into the chromebook loan thing like other libraries do.  where users take the chromebook and sit anywhere in the library.    

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 June 2021 - 06:35 AM.

[Mike K.]

^ So in other words the City wants to use the land for affordable housing.  I am sure that the "consultants report" will state that it is cheaper to pay some developer to build us a new library then to maintain the one we have.

 

At least one developer has already offered to do just that, but discussions stayed just that. It's unfortunately, too, because the one proposal I'm familiar with would have been pretty neat. But then I wasn't privy to the minute details, so who knows if what was on the table would have been a good long-term fit.

[Cats4Hire]

No one seems to have posted and I don't see anything on the website (or have any idea how old this is) but the libraries seem to be opening more expansive allowing you to walk around most of the building. I don't think any tables/chairs are set-up but I didn't have time to look around. 

[spanky123]

well it would be nice to see the terms of reference for the study.

 

they want to determine the feasibility of what?

 

The terms of refence will be "deliver a report that states it is cheaper to pay a developer to build us a new library then to fix the one we have". BTW, here is a cheque for $200K to help soften some of the ethical dilemma 

[Mike K.]

We know for a fact the City should not get involved in any development projects on its own accord. The bridge and the pool are sufficient proof that major construction efforts should be left to experts.

[Victoria Watcher]

simple book drop/pick-up counters could also be placed in lots of other places.  with cooperating business and community associations that have staff for such a counter.

[spanky123]

We know for a fact the City should not get involved in any development projects on its own accord. The bridge and the pool are sufficient proof that major construction efforts should be left to experts.

 

No doubt but lets be honest about it. Remember when Helps told us (thanks to a consultant's report) that unless we agreed to spend $40M for a new pool she would have to shut Crystal Pool down as it would be too expensive to maintain? Here we are 5 years later and the pool is still operating and nothing has collapsed. We all know the bridge story so I won't repeat it.

 

The MO is to have a consultant write you a report stating whatever you tell them, and then you hide behind it as proof that a decision needs to be made right away and there is no time for consultation.

Edited by spanky123, 25 June 2021 - 06:48 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

seems to me the libraries have lots of "mission creep".  "programming" that isn't directly related to books and similar items really should not be the library's thing.  that can be left to rec centres and community centres and schools and pre-schools and the private sector.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 June 2021 - 06:53 AM.

[mbjj]

No one seems to have posted and I don't see anything on the website (or have any idea how old this is) but the libraries seem to be opening more expansive allowing you to walk around most of the building. I don't think any tables/chairs are set-up but I didn't have time to look around. 

All of the James Bay Branch and Emily Carr are accessible now, but still no magazines, which I really miss. Central Branch has opened up the Children's area and the area where the fiction, dvds and cds are. The rest is still closed off. I was at Oak Bay the other day, about half is open.