Brantford Public Library offers eBooks via the Internet
eBooks are available 24/7 @ your library

The Brantford Public Library is introducing its members to a new way of accessing information by offering a collection of over 3,300 new eBooks, as well as many thousands of "classic" works. eBooks are full-text electronic versions of published books that library members can search, borrow, read, and return over the Internet. The range of subjects is almost as broad as that of the library print collection and features health titles such as Community Health Promotion Ideas that work: A Field Book for Practitioners. The busy parent can look to eBooks for timely information on parenting the net generation in books such as, The Parents Guide to protecting your child in cyberspace, and the entrepreneur can find some helpful tips from the Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication. eBooks are available through the Library's website either in the Library or from home, but all users must register first at the Brantford Public Library. Registration is free.

Once registration is done, registered users are directed to the netLibrary site, which allows them to search quickly across all the eBooks in the collection to identify what they want. They can search for authors, titles or keywords, and they can search within books for keywords and phrases.

eBooks are available for checkout and are automatically checked back into the library collection when the checkout period expires, making the eBook available to others. No more late fees!

"We are excited to be able to add eBooks to our traditional services," said Wendy Newman, CEO of Brantford Public Library. "People in our community will enjoy the ability to access what they want anytime, anywhere. Whether you're a student looking for information on deadline or an adult building your career, Brantford Public Library's eBook collection will have something for you."

Brantford Public Library serves the 86,000 residents of Brantford and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Members of the community have come to rely on Brantford Public Library as a great place to find information on everything from auto repair to zoology. Last year, citizens accessed over 3.6 million Web pages and checked out more than 690,000 books, videos, and other resources from the library. Its award-winning services combine the traditional with the latest technology.

Further information:
Paula Thomlison, Manager Marketing, Communications and Development
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 343
Fax: 519-756-4979
Email: pthomlison@brantford.library.on.ca

Brantford Public Library receives the Angus Mowat Award for Virtual University Partnership

The Hon. David Tsubouchi, Ontario's Minister of Culture, announced yesterday that the Brantford Public Library, North America's only member of the Unesco Model Library Network, has received the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence in recognition of its Virtual University Library partnership. "Ontario has one of the best library systems in the world, and this year we are proudly celebrating the contributions it makes to our Province", said the Minister.

In September 1999 the Brantford Campus of Wilfrid Laurier University opened its doors for the first time. It was the first university for Brantford and the first satellite campus for Laurier. It also represented the first unique collaboration in which full university library service was provided by a public library functioning as a virtual university library. "It's a great honour to receive this award from the Minister as recommended by our peers in the Ontario Library community," says Brantford Public Library Chair, Bruce Hodgson.

Through the innovative use of technology, and a strong organizational commitment to collaboration, the Brantford Public Library is the first public library in North America to utilize its staff and infrastructure to provide virtual library services.

Special terminals were set up at the Brantford Public Library Main Branch to provide WLU students with access to the entire holdings of the Tri-University Group (WLU, Guelph and Waterloo), a variety of electronic periodical databases and daily document delivery. CEO Wendy Newman says, "This is a tribute to the entire staff of Brantford Public Library. They have gone through extensive training, and continue to take refresher courses, in order to support the advanced electronic library services offered by WLU."

The partnership benefits the community as well as the Laurier students. All Brantford Public Library members, as 'courtesy card' holders, are able to access material available from Wilfrid Laurier University, and Laurier Brantford Students can make use of any of the material available at Brantford Public Library.

Both institutions continue to work in the spirit of partnership and nurture this innovative relationship. The extraordinary success of this venture represents a wonderful opportunity for both public and academic libraries throughout North America.

Further information:
Wendy Newman, CEO
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 4
Fax: 519-756-4979

Brantford Public Library -- THE FACTS

The Library Board deeply regrets the interruption in service to the public during the Union's strike but must continue to negotiate within limits that are reasonable for a publicly funded body.

The Union has identified schedules and contracting out as the two most contentious issues in dispute.

Schedules: Staff schedules are currently posted at least two weeks in advance as a contractual requirement; in practice, the Library provides three-week notice as a courtesy. Posted schedules are not changed except by mutual agreement. Most staff have consistent schedules, working the same evening each week and having the same day off, many over several years. This is as good as, or better than, the norm for public libraries in Ontario. The Union is demanding the right to refuse any changes in the base schedules indefinitely. This would prevent the Library from responding to changing conditions caused by illness, long-term disability, vacations, resignations, retirements, and other staff absences, and to changing needs in the community. The scheduling of Library services 68 hours a week, with contractual limitations on evening, Saturday, and Sunday work is very complex. The Library Board must retain its right to schedule its operations.

Contracting out: All Brantford Public Library employees currently have complete protection from job loss due to contracting out, right from their first day on the job. The contracting out provisions demanded by the Union exceed those in other City of Brantford collective agreements. The contracting out provisions demanded do not refer simply to external contracting, but also to work that could be done by volunteers, managers - anyone deemed by the Union to be doing bargaining unit work. The Board believes its current job protection to be fair and reasonable.

The Library Board has offered a 2.5% increase in each year of a two-year agreement in addition to improvements in benefits and improvements in the base schedules, including minimum 3-hour shifts. The Library's striking clerks, technicians, and librarians currently earn from $13.16 to $23.76 an hour, plus benefits, with double time on Sundays.

The Board remains ready to resume bargaining whenever the Mediator appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour reconvenes a mediation session.

Bruce Hodgson
Chairman, Brantford Public Library Board

Brantford Public Library Hosts 2002 Meeting of the UNESCO Model Library Network

Participants from around the world will be meeting in Brantford next week to study the city's "model library" and advance the future of public libraries as forces for education, culture and information. The Brantford Public Library is hosting the 2002 Meeting of UNET, the UNESCO Model Library Network, September 18-21. The theme of this year's meeting is "Lifelong Learning @ Your Library".

In a presentation to City Council on September 9th, Board Chairman Bruce Hodgson said, "We were deeply honoured to have been invited to join the Network in 2000 and now we're proud to welcome them to Brantford for their first meeting in North America." Library CEO Wendy Newman added, "This is an extraordinary event for Brantford, and an opportunity to showcase both the library community and the City. Brantford can be proud of this Library and the partnerships we have developed to expand our services beyond the traditional."

While in Brantford, members will participate in tours and meetings at both the Main and St. Paul Avenue branches and meet with staff and Board members informally. They will also visit libraries in the Toronto and Niagara areas and meet with representatives of the Ontario Library Association, the Ministry of Culture, the Southern Ontario Library Service, and the Toronto Public Library. As President of the Canadian Library Association, Brantford Public Library CEO Wendy Newman will also welcome the participants to Canada on behalf of that organization. Sponsors and partners of the 2002 UNET meeting include the Ontario Library Association Board of Directors, the City of Brantford, Brodart Company, Bialas Printing, Brantford Parks and Recreation, Human Resources Development Canada, and many contributors of in-kind support.

"Model Libraries" work in the spirit of the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto (1994), a visionary statement of principles for public library development and operation in UNESCO's 188 member states. It proclaims UNESCO's belief in the public library as "an essential agent for the fostering of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of men and women".

The first Model Libraries were built in developing countries - India (New Delhi), Colombia (Medellin), and Nigeria (Enugu). Recognizing the need for richer countries to assume greater leadership responsibility, Sweden spearheaded a rapid expansion of the Network in the 1990s. The UNESCO Model Library Network now has members in Chile, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Sweden, Estonia, Malaysia, Spain, and Canada. They model and promote the UNESCO principles in their own countries and share their experience internationally.

The Brantford Public Library serves a population of 86,000 in Brantford, Ontario, and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Its award-winning services combine the traditional with the latest technology, frequently in partnership with government and community agencies. In a unique arrangement with the Library of Wilfrid Laurier University, it serves as the "virtual university library" for students of the University's new Brantford campus.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) currently has 188 member states, including Canada. It promotes collaboration among nations through education, science, culture, and communication to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law, and for the rights and freedoms which are affirmed by the Charter of the United Nations.

Further information:
Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 4
Fax: 519-756-4979

UNESCO Public Library Manifesto

Library's Read On Program: 15th year of helping kids to read better

What do you do when your elementary school child struggles with reading? And what if that child is at risk of losing, over the summer, the precious gains made during the school year?

With the help of Human Resources Development Canada, the Read On program at the Brantford Public Library is in its 15th successful year of intensive one-to-one tutoring for struggling readers. This summer the program is helping 92 children in grades 3 to 6 to maintain and improve their reading skills. HRDC supplements the Library's operating funds to hire four tutors - frequently post-secondary students who are considering careers in teaching.

"This is a win-win program," said Library Board chairman Bruce Hodgson. "The kids get the benefit of a highly effective personal tutoring system. The university students who tutor them get a leg up on admission to teachers' college as well as the satisfaction of the children's success."

This year, both the County of Brant and the Brantford Public Library Boards provide Read On. The two libraries collaborated in the training of tutors at the beginning of the summer.

"The only downside is the difference between supply and demand. We always have many more children, nominated by their schools, than we have capacity in the program. We have to turn down too many children. But reading is so fundamental to skill and enjoyment that we are firmly committed to doing everything we can," said Library CEO Wendy Newman.

Brantford Public Library services a population of 86,000 in Brantford, Ontario and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Its award-winning services combine the traditional with the latest technology, frequently in partnership with government and community agencies. In a unique partnership with the Library of Wilfrid Laurier University, it serves as a "virtual university library" for students of the new Brantford campus of the University. It is the first public library in North America to be invited into the UNESCO Model Library Network.

Further information:
Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 4

Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer of the Brantford Public Library, Commences Her Term as President of the Canadian Library Association

Ottawa, Ontario - Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer of the Brantford Public Library, became President of the Canadian Library Association (CLA) at the 57th Annual Conference, held in Halifax from June 19-23.

Wendy Newman brings a wealth of experience of association work and leadership to the presidency. She has been president of the Canadian Association of Public Libraries, a mentor at the Northern Exposure to leadership Institute and a Volunteer Advocacy Trainer for Library Advocacy Now! Brantford Public Library is the North American representative in UNET, the UNESCO Model Library Network and Ms. Newman will host a meeting of this group of 8 public libraries in September 2002.

Ms. Newman sits on the Heritage Advisory Group of the Department of Canadian Heritage and served on the National Broadband Task Force, chairing the Social Benefits and Challenges Working Group. She is on the Board of the Media Awareness Network, which has a partnership with CLA through the Web Awareness Program. Ms. Newman has also been a member of the Smart Communities Blue Ribbon Panel and the Advisory Group on Connectedness of the Conference Board of Canada. At home, she is on the Liaison Committee of the Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford Campus and Chair of the Board of the Brant Business Information Network.

Ms. Newman brings to this position experience in a number of library settings: academic library service in York University and Osgoode Law School libraries and special library service in the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety; Coordinator of the Library Technician program at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology; and public library service in Hamilton and Brantford.

Founded in 1946, the Canadian Library Association (CLA) is the national English language library association representing Canada's estimated 58,000 library workers. It is a registered charity, governed by an elected Executive Council, which is advised by over thirty interest groups and committees. Its divisions represent libraries in colleges and universities, municipalities, governments, private companies and schools.

The mission of CLA is to promote, develop and support library and information services in Canada. Its priorities focus on public policy, continuing education and members' services.

Media Contact:
Peter Wilson, Communications Coordinator
Tel.: 613-232-9625 Ext. 320
email: pwilson@cla.ca

Express Checkout Now Available @ your library

The Brantford Public Library is pleased to announce it has just introduced an innovative, self-serve Express Checkout system for customers at the Main Library.

Library users can now avoid any line-ups at the Main circulation desk when they borrow library books and videos. "This new system is another way we're strengthening customer service at the Brantford Public Library", according to Library CEO Wendy Newman. "Our customers now have a choice when checking out materials. If they're in a hurry and there's a line-up at the regular checkout, they can take the do-it-yourself approach and use our new Express Checkout. It's fast, easy, and private."

Utilizing two recently installed SelfCheck machines developed by 3M, customers can scan their own library cards, then scan the barcode on the item being borrowed. The machine automatically confirms the transaction and provides a date due slip for the customer. Renewals for items already borrowed can also be done on the same machines.

The Brantford Public Library serves the 86,000 residents of Brantford and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Internationally recognized for successfully combining traditional services with the latest technology, it also serves as a "virtual university library" for Brantford campus students of Wilfrid Laurier University. The Brantford Public Library is the first public library in North America to be invited by the United Nations into the UNESCO Model Library Network.

Media Contact:
Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 4

New Service Reveals History As it Happened

If you've ever wondered whether any significant event happened on the day you were born, the Brantford Public Library just made it easier to find out. The Library has added an exciting new feature to its in-house electronic resources, The Toronto Star Pages of the Past. It's the first online Canadian newspaper archive that includes over a century of regional, national and international news. Pages of the Past contains virtually every issue of Canada's largest daily newspaper from Jan. 2, 1894 to Dec. 31, 1999. That's over 30,000 issues, and almost 2 million pages!

"Essentially it's the only electronic, full-text, full-image database of recorded history in Canada", according to Library CEO Wendy Newman, "We're thrilled to be one of the first libraries in Canada to make this freely available to our users. It opens the door to a whole new world of historical resources from a highly respected source". The Library expects Pages of the Past to have broad public appeal, but it will be of special interest to researchers, genealogists, history buffs, educators, trend analysts, and students. They'll be able to follow history as it was reported, read all about historical events as they unfold. Users can review Canadian and world events, popular culture, politics, history, business and finance, literature, sports, science, technology, weather, births and deaths, and more.

This new electronic archive is very easy to use because you see each newspaper page on the computer screen in its original format, complete with news stories, pictures, ads, notices, etc. You can browse page-by-page, or use the straightforward search function to specify dates, keywords, phrases, sections or content. Pages of the Past is available on the public access catalogue computers in the Reference dept. on the lower level of the Brantford Public Library, 173 Colborne Street, across from Market Square.

The Brantford Public Library serves the 86,000 residents of Brantford and has reciprocal arrangements with the Brant County Public Library. It is internationally recognized for successfully combining traditional services with the latest technology, and regularly works in partnership with government and community agencies. It serves as a "virtual university library" for students of the Brantford campus of the Wilfrid Laurier University, and is the first public library in North America to be invited into the UNESCO Model Library Network.

Media Contact:
Mario Bernardi, Mgr. Marketing, Communications and Development
tel:519-756-2223

Brantford Public Library Celebrates Canada Book Day and "Canada Reads"

With begonias, Canadian flags, and bookstore coupons for its first 250 borrowers, and a fine collection of Canadian books, Brantford Public Library will continue its tradition of celebrating Canada Book Day on April 23. Canada Book Day, now in its seventh year, coincides with UNESCO-declared World Book Day.

Chief Executive Officer Wendy Newman said, "The re-opening of Tuesday service at the St. Paul Avenue Branch gives Canada Book Day special significance for the Library this year. Brantford readers can stock up on great Canadian books at both our locations this time." The Library is assisted in this promotion by the City's Parks and Recreation Department and the office of the Hon. Jane Stewart.

The Writers' Trust of Canada, organizer of Canada Book Day, is distributing posters, library booklets, and bookmarks through libraries. The bookmarks include a $2.00 discount coupon for book purchases over $10.00 at Bookworks of Brantford, Chapters, Indigo, Coles, and other participating stores until May 5. Copies are available in the Library while supplies last.

It has been a banner year for Canadian books, in the judgment of Canadian and international readers and literary prize juries. This year, CBC Radio initiated "Canada Reads", inviting readers across the country to vote online for their favourite Canadian book from among five selected by their panel. The winning book will be announced April 23. A display on the short-listed books is featured in the Main Library and on the Internet at Canada Reads. Readers are invited to use the Library's Internet computers to cast their votes by email (canadareads@cbc.ca).

Brantford Public Library services a population of 86,000 in Brantford, Ontario, and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Its award-winning services combine the traditional with the latest technology, frequently in partnership with government and community agencies. In a unique partnership with the Library of Wilfrid Laurier University, it serves as a "virtual university library" for students of the new Brantford campus of the University. It is the first public library in North America to be invited into the UNESCO Model Library Network.

For further information:
Wendy Newman, Chief Executive Officer
Tel.: 519-756-2223, ext. 4
Canada Book Day

Canada Reads

St. Paul Avenue Library to Open Tuesdays

The Brantford Public Library Board announced today that, starting February 12, the St. Paul Avenue Branch will be open Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Branch had been closed Tuesdays since January 1994 due to budget limitations.

Bruce Hodgson, Chairman of the Brantford Public Library Board, is "delighted that City Council has supported the return of Tuesday service to this popular and well-loved community branch. We've been receiving requests for five-day service at the St. Paul Avenue Branch for several years now. This will make a big difference to citizens of all ages." The St. Paul Avenue Branch is especially strong in popular, children's and large print materials. Recent expansion of the Library's Internet access and reference data bases has added solid electronic government and reference information to the Branch's traditional strengths.

The Library is planning a special celebration. On Tuesday the 12th, coffee and cake will be served at 10:00 a.m. in the Program Room. The first fifty visitors will receive an "@ Your Library" memento.

Brantford Public Library serves a population of 86,000 in Brantford, Ontario, and has reciprocal arrangements with the County of Brant Public Library. Its award-winning services combine the traditional with the latest technology, frequently in partnership with government and community agencies. In a unique partnership with the Library of Wilfrid Laurier University, it serves as a "virtual university library" for students of the new Brantford campus of the University. It is the first public library in North America to be invited into the UNESCO Model Library Network.

Further information: Christopher Stanley, Manager, Reference and Branch Services
Tel.: 519-756-2220, ext. 314