The Story of Delta Libraries

Posted 
on Jul 23, 2013
 
FVRL is the largest public library system in BC, with 25 community libraries serving almost 700,000 people in its service area.
 
 
Our speaker on July 23 was Gillian McLeod, Library Manager, Delta. The library system is primarily funded through taxes raised in the communities it serves. It is governed by a board of elected officials representing its member municipalities and regional districts, which includes the Corporation of Delta.
 
Delta branches of FVRL:
  1. George Mackie Library (North Delta) – 30 years at this location
  2. Ladner Pioneer Library – 50 years at this location
  3. Tsawwassen Library - 40 years at this location
Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL), established in 1930 was the first system of its kind in North America. However a reading room was opened in Ladner in 1898.
 
The idea of bringing the library to the rural population in BC began in 1927. The Provincial Public Library Commission organized a province-wide survey of library services in BC. The key finding from the survey was that large administrative library districts based on cooperation, and resource sharing between municipalities and school districts should be created to serve BC’s rural communities who could not afford to provide a library service on their own. Based on this recommendation, the Commission sought funding to carry out an initial trial project.
 
It began serving residents in the early 1930s with the introduction of the Fraser Valley Book Van. The Book Van was the public library for the rural residents from Ladner to Hope. This travelling library, which displayed books along its outside shelves, travelled through the valley to small towns and villages stopping at grocery stores, schoolhouses and gas stations. Each stop meant that the book collection would transform as books were borrowed and returned. The Book Van system operated in conjunction with local libraries located in the larger towns throughout the valley.
 
Current programs in Delta branches of FVRL
 
For Children. The Summer Reading Club, book talks, story times, puppet shows and performances are only some of the programs and activities offered to children at Delta libraries. Come to your local library to find out how we make reading fun!
 
For Teens. Art and poetry displays, Teen Library Council, Teen Summer Reading Club, writing contests, author readings and special programs serve the interests of Delta teens. Meet a friend or meet a great book at the library!
 
For Adults and seniors. Delta libraries offer a variety of programs for adults and seniors, including book discussion groups, author readings, computer and internet training and talks on subjects as diverse as pets, gardening, travel, finance and health. Make the library your first stop for information, entertainment and lifelong learning!