By Adam Williams
Kamloops This Week
In addition to its operating grant, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) library system is slated to receive a trio of grants from the Ministry of Education — the resource-sharing grant, the BC OneCard grant and the equity grant.
The TNRD Library, which serves a population of 131,166 people, received a 2015-2016 operating grant of $345,733.
The resource-sharing grant is based on a rate for materials lent through the interlibrary loan service during the previous year. The TNRD received $2,302.
The BC OneCard grant enables libraries to expand services to residents through the OneCard program, which ensures patrons can use their card at any library as they travel throughout the province. The TNRD received $24,000.
Finally, the TNRD received $16,500 in the equity grant, which is intended to ensure the promotion of literacy and life-long learning within B.C. public libraries. The funds can be used to expand collections, run programs and purchase equipment.
Vavenby park eyed for upgrades
The TNRD has submitted a funding application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program for the Vavenby Community Park Upgrade Project.
Should the funding application be successful, the board will rescind resolutions allocating $45,000 of federal gas-tax funding already approved for the project.
New, half-million-dollar bookmobile on the way
The TNRD has approved spending $500,000 to replace the district’s bookmobile in 2017.
The bookmobile service began in 1973 and brings library services to small, rural communities. It has a full range of items similar to a branch library and includes children’s programming in the summer.
The bookmobile serves 22 locations, including Little Fort, Birch Island, Vavenby, Avola and Blue River. It is estimated 23,733 people live relatively close to a bookmobile stop.
The bookmobile has averaged a circulation of 37,170 during the last 10 years, making it the fourth-highest circulating branch in the TNRD library system.
Building boom in the TNRD
Building-permit activity continues to rise in the regional district.
Thirty-six permits were issued in May 2016, an increase from 31 in 2015. A total of 13 new residential units were created in the month.
This year has seen increases in construction value across the district, with year-to-date numbers totalling $18.5 million, double the $9.4 million recorded in 2015. Increases have come primarily in residential and institutional construction.
Climate change among topics discussed at FCM conference
Director Jim Rivett said the conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities earlier this month in Winnipeg centred around themes of climate change and land-use planning.
Rivett, who is also the mayor of Clinton, said planning around storm preparedness and funding available through federal grant programs were among topics covered in presentations.
