Key Messages, May 2025

Key Messages Update
Type
Key Messages

Organizational Excellence

  • 2024 Annual Report Presented to Council: On May 14, 2025 the CEO presented the BMPL's 2024 Annual Report to Council, highlighting how GLAM services have continued to satisfy community needs, despite ongoing space challenges. 
  • Annual Policy Review: The Board conducted its annual policy review to ensure that all legislative requirements and policies were up-to-date. Policies ranged from general HR to health and safety.  
  • New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Approved: The Board adopted its first artificial intelligence policy, governing ethical use of AI tools in the workplace and guidelines for displaying AI-generated artwork in The Gallery. 
  • Participation in Town Banking RFP Approved: The Board approved a motion to participate in a joint banking RFP with the Town, aimed at identifying potential cost savings and improving operational efficiency. The Library CEO will serve on the evaluation committee.
  • Town/Library Collaboration: The CEO provided an update on the Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment, noting that a tentative date will soon be confirmed for the upcoming Joint Council meeting, where both municipalities will receive the final report. She also shared that reviews of submissions for the Youth Climate Action Fund are ongoing, with funding announcements expected in early June. Lastly, the BMPL premiered Journey of Water at the Town’s Sustainability Summit, engaging a new audience and offering an in-depth discussion of the film with the filmmaker, narrator, and Museum Curator. The Board extended their gratitude to the  Clarksburg Village Association and Thornbury BIA for taking the lead on the Arts Walk, which is taking place on Saturday, July 12 from 11 am-4 pm. 

Community Hubs

  • Space Utilization Study Draft RFP Reviewed: The Board reviewed the draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive space utilization study of the L.E. Shore Memorial Library, applauding the CEO's collaboration with the TBM Manager of Fleet and Facilities and recommending the CEO make revisions to the scope of the project, with further review taking place at the June meeting.
  • Craigleith Working Group Meeting Attended: Member Laurey Gillies attended both the Craigleith Working Group Open House and a recent meeting to gain a deeper understanding of the community’s priorities, particularly service needs, and to explore how BMPL can actively contribute to future discussions and better support residents in the east end.

Empowering Services

  • CEO Service Report Highlights: The CEO’s report highlighted a range of recent initiatives and community milestones. Among them was the successful grand opening of Beverley Smith's It All Starts with a Scribble exhibit, which featured an interactive “scribble wall” where community members collaborated to create their own collective masterpiece. The Arts & Culture Council also hosted a moving evening concert showcasing a flutist, cellist, and pianist—an emotional performance that left many in the audience in tears. Additionally, staff had the opportunity to visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), where fossils from Craigleith were proudly featured in a new exhibit. The Library and Town staff also collaborated to host a Cultural Mindfulness Training session, led by George Couchie of Redtail Hawk Training and Consulting, further supporting community education and reconciliation efforts.