CONTENTS

FRIENDS DAY AT THE CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
55TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SAT. 24TH JUNE, 2000 – SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE
EDMONTON, ALBERTA

9.A.M – 10.15.A.M. – STRENGTHENING BOARD PERFORMANCE FOR FRIENDS AND
TRUSTEES. – Toni Lashbrook, Toni Lashbrook and Associates Inc. Convenor: Gail de Vos,
President, Friends of Edmonton Public Library.
Using a competence-based approach has proven to be an effective way to improve both board and organizational performance.  Research and practice shows that trustees with certain skills and behaviours are more effective in working together and governing their organizations.  This workshop gives friends and library trustees the opportunity to learn more about best practices, assess some of their board’s current competence and explore tools and approaches to improve their board’s process.

10.45.A.M. – NOON – FRIENDS, TRUSTEES AND THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR: A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN.  Gary Archibald, President, CLTA, Don Mills, Director, Mississauga Public Library and Val Marshall, President, Friends of Canadian Libraries.  Convenor: Gail de Vos, Friends of the Edmonton Public Library.
The success of Friend’s groups is dependent upon the establishment of a sound relationship between library boards (trustees), friends’ groups and library directors.  This session will examine strategies for establishing this relationship drawing upon the experertise of representaticves from each group.

12 NOON – 2.00.P.M. LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Jon Hall, Executive Director, Edmonton Volunteer Centre.
FRIEND OF THE YEAR AWARD. Convenor: Nicholas Spillios, Past President,
Friends of the Edmonton Public Library.

Membership/Membership renewal
 

To become a member of FRIENDS OF CANADIAN LIBRARIES, or renew your membership please complete the following application and send with your cheque to Val Marshall, Friends of Canadian Libraries, 702 Harwood Avenue South,
Ajax, Ontario. L1S 3Y9.

Enclosed  is a cheque in the amount of $………………………...as a NEW/RENEWAL membership

Name of Group or Individual: ————————————————————————————--

If a Group Membership, Please Supply a contact name:—————————-—————————

Mailing Address:——————————————————————————————————-

Phone: Home———————————-Bus:——————————————-

Fax:———————————————E-mail:—————————————-

Number of Members——           Date the Organization Began——————————

Main Activities: ———————————————————————————————————

——————————————————————————————————————————

****Please photo copy this application and make available to your Friends.

To contact Val Marshall –President of FOCAL and Editor of FOCAL POINT - 905-428-1328-Fax-905-428-8670 email vmtravel@baxter.net

MEMBERSHIP FEES

THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES HAVE BEEN SET FOR THE YEAR BEGINNING 1ST APRIL, 1999.  (Please note that members who have joined since 1st January, 1999, will be considered as members in good standing for the year)

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP    -   $25.00
FRIENDS GROUPS: UNDER 50 MEMBERS – $30.00
                                   OVER  50 MEMBERS    - $50.00
LIBRARY BOARDS AND ASSOCIATIONS – $75.00

*****PLEASE NOTE DONATIONS ARE ALSO GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED.

PLEASE NOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUE FOR RENEWAL IF THERE IS A DOT IN THE BOX
 

NOMINATIONS – EXECUTIVE 2000
PRESIDENT – Jami Van Haaften , Sudbury Friends of the Library, 1826 Marie Ave., Sudbury, Ont. P3E 2X9. H-705-523-3415, B-705-522-6237, Fax– 705-523-7317. – jvanhaaf@cyberbeach.net

VICE-PRESIDENT – Nancy Goodman, Ottawa Friends of the Library,  210 Dunbarton Court, Ottawa, Ont. K1K 4L7.  H-613-746-3578– ngoodman@storm.ca

PAST-PRESIDENT – Val Marshall, Ajax Friends of the Library, 702 Harwood Ave. South, Ajax, Ont. L1S 3Y9. H-905-683-4588, B– 905-428-1328, ax – 905-428-8670. vmtravel@baxter.net

SECRETARY – VOLUNTEER STILL NEEDED.

TREASURER – Tom Foulkes, Friends of the Smiths Falls Public Library, 45 Church Street East, Smiths Falls, Ont. K7A 1H4. H– 613-283-2706.– pfoulkes@altavista.net

DIRECTORS

WESTERN CANADA – VOLUNTEER STILL NEEDED.

PRAIRIES  - Nicholas Spillios,  Friends of the Edmonton Public Library, 8308 – 134 St Edmonton, Alberta. T5R OB4. – phone: 780-483-5294 Fax: 780-483-5294 nikos@telusplanet.net

CENTRAL CANADA: Margaret Main, Friends of the Nepean Public Library, 208-60 Mcleod St. Ottawa, Ont. k2P 2G1.  H –  <mainm@achilles.net    Maureen Johnson, 494 St. John’s road, Toronto, Ont. M6S 2L5. H-416-769-05551. B-905-789-1234. mjohnson@pegasuswholesale.com

ATLANTIC CANADA –  Bryon Merrett, 8 Queen Street, Yarmouth, N.S. B5A 4A6. H-902-742-7387.  bryanm@hotmail.com

CLTA REP:  Gary Archibald, Western counties Regional Library, Box 2680, RR#2, Yarmouth. N.S. B5A 4A6. B-902-742-4195.  Fax – 902-742-6920. nstn2360@fox.nstn.ca

CAPL REP:  Sylvia Teasdale , Nepean Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean, Ont. K2G 5K7. - sylvia.teasdale@city.nepean.on.ca

WE WELCOME YOUR HELP….IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASSIST WITH
MEMBERSHIP, THE NEWS LETTER, PROGRAMS, EDUCATION, ETC…….
PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME FORWARD…...WE NEED HELP!!!!

FROM THE EDITOR  …..Val Marshall, President

Thanks to Nicholas Spillios and the Friends of the Edmonton Public Library, we have an exiting program for Friends Day at the Canadian Library Association in Edmonton on Saturday, 24th June, 2000.  Space is limited so please get your registration in as early as possible. Please complete the CLA Registration Form in the newsletter.  (For information on the Social Events and the Conference, please see the Conference program at your library). With the generous sponsorship of Random House of Canada and the Canadian Library Association, we are again able to provide great workshops, lunch and our Annual Meeting at a price of $30.00 per person. Remember to copy both the newsletter and the Registration Form for your Friends.

Friends Day at the Ontario Library Association in February was our most successful yet with over 80 participants.  (The day was so popular that OLA had to change our meeting and lunch rooms to meet the demand).  With the level of conversation during lunch at an all-time high, it was obvious that friends were exchanging ideas and making new friends.  The sessions were all well-received and the "Round Table Discussions" after lunch, master-minded by Margaret Main, were a huge success!

The Opening Plenary Session on "Funding and Gaming" in Ontario highlighted an important issue for Friends.  See the report by Jami van Haaften in the newsletter.  FOCAL will be monitoring the situation and appreciate the support both from SOLS and Tina Tucker from Thunder Bay Public Library.  Lynne Bertolini was also extemely helpful and willing to provide information on the topic.

Friends still need to spread the news of their organization out in to the community.  Please copy any information from our newsletter for your members.  Also, don’t forget to include your Provincial and Federal Members of Parliament as well as local politicians when you are sending out both your local newsletters and copies of "Focal Point".  They need to know what the local volunteers are achieving  - so keep them and your public well informed.

Please keep your information coming so that your achievements and ideas can be shared in our newsletter!!!

Val Marshall, President.

FRIENDS NEWS FORUM..
Congratulations to the Friends of the Edmonton Public Library!!!  They received one of three runner-up awards for large libraries from the FOLUSA-BAKER & TAYLOR AWARDS, 1999,  They submitted the "Advocacy Initiative" that was undertaken during the 1998 Municipal elections.

New Friends on the Way – Frank Fairfax and Amanda Robinson from Brockville, Ontario, are busy with the organizing of a Friends Group for the public library in Brockville, Ontario.  Janet Ness is the Friends of the Library Project Development Officer, Vaughan Memorial Library at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia – her mission is to develop a Friends Group for their student population of 4,000.

"Chase Away The Blues" was the theme of the Friends of the Georgina Libraries beat the winter blahs evening on 28th January in Sutton, Ontario.  Music, a silent auction and wine and cheese livened up their annual general meeting.  Volunteers from the Visiting Library Service, the Homework club and other library projects were recognized during the event, which raised over $500.  It is the beginning of the third year of operation for this lively group.

Advertise your book sale – Helen Oram of BOOK SALE FINDER invites you to update your book sale listing on the Book Sales Web site. <www.BookSaleFinder.com>  Formerly called Book Sales in America, they have changed the name and extended the boundaries to include Canada.  The site is updated every few days and listings are completely free! E-mail: publisher@BookSaleFinder.com

Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library have established a "Friends Café" in the foyer of their main Centennial Library.  Their percentage of sales from this successful venture goes towards a fund for special library projects.  Their "Writers and Readers Symposium" in February was almost a sell-out event.  In the morning, a panel from different sectors of Manitoba culture discussed the current state of writing in the province.  After a Deli-Lunch, their writer-in-residence and another local author engaged in some reflections on writing.  Look for this as an Annual event!  In march, they host author Guy Gavriel, while Winnipeg author, historian and teacher, Dr. Jack Bumsted will be the Guest Speaker at their AGM in May.  Call Rochelle Blumenthal 204-83205559 for more information.\

Libraries that Celebrate is a month-long event held in October of each year to celebrate the importance of libraries.  Each year, the Hamilton Public Library fills the month with authors and illustrators visits, a billboard competition and numerous special programs.  These programs are free and attract thousands!  This year the Hamilton Friends are helping to raise money to cover these events. Friends also sponsor new "mini-work stations" with staplers, threehole punch and pens and pencils – pens and pencils can be returned or purchased for a nominal fee.  Good luck on their Membership Drive – Their goal is to reach 500 by the end of 2000.

Oshawa Friends co-chairs, Marjorie Hodges and June Thompson  produced a fabulous 1999 Annual report.  Their "ABC consortium" - Advocacy, Books and Cinefest – was inspired by the board’s momentum.  The Cinefest – part of the Toronto International Film Festival – brought first-class films to the community.  The major book sale in October raised $5,400. Two raffles brought in $5190.00, while the Advocacy Committee efforts resulted in a budget increase for library services.  With increased marketing and public relations, the Friends have been spreading their message in a positive fashion.

March is Friends Month at the Oakville Public Library – Time to reflect on the $75,000 worth of Friends’ donations for time to renew memberships.  Their "Spring Book Sale" runs from 5th – 9th April with members only for the first three hours.  By the way, they sell books by the pound!

1999-The Friends Best Year Ever with over $103,000 Raised!!! Congratulations to the  Friends of the
Ottawa Public Library who reached this all-time high.  Memberships were increased as well as donations and revenue from their bookstore and book bar sales. Their Annual Meeting  will be on Tuesday, 9th May, 7.00.p.m. in the Auditorium of the Main Library.  Looking for change for their second-hand book store, they have also launched a "Name That Store" contest!

Friends Make the Difference is the motto of the Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library celebrating their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 10th May, 6..30.p.m. at the Waverley Resouce Library.  Their fundraising is in full force with raffles, the bookstore and Nevada Tickets.

Ajax Friends continue their successful venture with the Toronto International Film Festival circuit.  The March movie, "Cider House Rules" was sponsored by the local Toronto Dominion Bank. (The manager brought along all his staff and threw in the popcorn). The final result – 187 people enjoyed the movie which netted a profitable night of over $700 for the Friends.  Local doctor, Ian Blumer, was the guest Speaker at their Annual General Meeting in March talking about his new book – "What Your Doctor Really Thinks"  - the turn-out great!

Heather Graham, Friends of the Winnipeg Library, and Dr. Linda Wilson, President, Friends of the University of Manitoba Libraries are presenting the session, "That’s What Friends are for" at the Manitoba Library Conference on Friday, 12th May.  Their session will deal with starting Friends Groups, policies, missions, by-laws, etc.  Keep spreading the good words!!!!

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
FRIENDS OF THE PORT HOPE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FRIENDS OF THE NEW LISKEARD PUBLIC LIBRARY
MAUREEN JOHNSON – PEGASUS LIBRARY SERVICES

FUNDING AND GAMING IN ONTARIO – OLA PLENARY SESSION FEBRUARY 2000

The opening plenary session at OLA covered the topic of how Friends groups in Ontario can expect to be regulated if they apply for a gaming (lottery, Nevada ticket, bingo or raffle) license.  Speakers were Tina Tucker of the Thunder Bay Public Library, Lynne Bertolini, Manager of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Rob Lavery, Resource Development consultant, Southern
Ontario Library Service.

Tina is both a member of the Thunder Bay Friends group and the library’s staff liaison with the Friends.  She outlined how their Friends group has raised money through various forms of gaming for a portion of their annual revenue the last several years.  This includes about $25,000 from Bingos, between $6,000 and $8,000 annually from Nevada ticket sales and $3,000 – $7,000 from an annual computer raffle. They also raise funds through booksales, silent auctions and a variety of other endeavours.

The Friends maintain a bank account for each activity to comply with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regulations.  She spoke of the growing difficulties experienced in the lottery license application and approval process.  In the spring of 1999, their gaming accounts were frozen by the Commission pending approval of a Trust Agreement between the Friends and the Library Board.  During this process, the Friends have continued to raise funds through gaming.  Tina provided copies of the Friends Constitution and By-Laws, a draft version of the Trust Agreementa proposed annual operating budget, a project list for 2000, plus projected results of Friends activities and a list of their Executive.  As of 15th March, all of these documents , including the draft trust agreement, (which has since been amended) continue to be under review by the commission and awaiting approval.

Lynne Bertolini outlined a complicated regulatory framework.  Her slide presentation described how gaming is considered illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada, but that exemptions allow "an authority to issue a license" if proceeds are for "charitable or religious purposes".  Charitable categories include "advancement of education" and fall within both "education" and "other purposes".  She provided copies of the Order in Council outlining the provisions. Another handout, "A Guide to charitable Gaming in Ontario" also offered information on the regulation of charitable gaming in Ontario.  Organizations eligible for a lottery license must be charitable, demonstrate separate legal, administrative and financial relationships and meet the basic eligibility criteria set out in the Lottery Licensing Policy manual, which is currently being up-dated and revised.

Just because a group or institution is registered as a Charitable Organization under Revenue Canada’s Income Tax Act does not mean it qualifies for a gaming license.  Lottery proceeds must be used for charitable purposes and enhancements to library services – not for administration., staffing, fund-raising, political activity, construction or renovation.  Lynne expressed her willingness to discuss the regulations and meet with interested organizations to explain the policies.

Rob acted as a Resource person for the discussion providing clarification and answering questions. The SOLS Newsletter "Signal" (http:www.library.on.ca/signal/signal.htm) will update this issue in their fundraising section. It is SOLS’ intent to learn from Thunder Bay Friends experience and aid other friends groups.

The final report of the Broadbent Commission’s Voluntary Sector Roundtable, a Federal Panel which is examining the accountability and governance in the voluntary sector, will affect how the volunteer sector is recognized and treated under charitable law. See related documents and Internet Sites": Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (www.ccr.gov.on.ca:80/mccr/22a_3fe.htm) Voluntary Sector Roundtable – (http://www.net/vsr-trsb/main-e.html)  Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector; A Final Report – (http://gateway.ontla.on.ca:80/library/n17tx.htm)  Building On Strength:  Improving Governance and Accountability in Canada’s Voluntary Sector: Final Report (http://www.web.net/vsr-trsb/pagvs/index.htm)

"Libraries denied access to gaming money" Quill and Quire, November 1999, pg. 13
 (FOCAL has permission from the publisher to offer single copies of this article to interested individual members.  Please mail a stamped-addressed envelope to J. van Haaften, 1826 Marie Ave., Sudbury, Ont. P3E 2X8

Jami van Haaften – Vice President, Friends of Canadian Libraries

REPORTS FROM FRIENDS DAY AT OLA – FEBRUARY 2000 – JAM VAN HAAFTEN

RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BOOK SALE – London Friends Grant McKillop and Hilary Bates Neary gave practical advice based on their experience with running money-making, huge three-day book sales.  Their eye-catching posters not only keep the public well-informed but high-light their sponsors.  On the last day, books are marked down drastically and they have sources for getting rid of left-overs.  If you need advice on your sale, please e-mail <nearyh@skyia.com

FRIENDS AND RELATIONS – Caroline Hallsworth (Sudbury Public Library), Geoff Nie (Ajax Public Library) and Robert Hubsher (Cornwall Public Library) helped us define successful elements in relationships between a Friends Group and their CEO.  Their presentation outlined their views and unique experiences.

Caroline described "the harvest" to be drawn from Friends’ groups, relating to resources, goodwill and publicity.  She described nurturing the relationship by having a shared mutual purpose and developing common interests.  Effective communication and respect for individual preferences are two other characteristics of a successful relationship.

Geoff went on to demonstrate the value of the Friends group at the Ajax Public Library.  The Ajax Friends are in the middle of a $1 million fund raising project for the new main library.  Robert described phases in the formation of the Cornwall Friends group and how it is evolving.

Evaluation of the session was positive.  Delegates appreciated the handouts, the step-by-step planning outline, like the unified presentation, but wished there could have been more time for the discussion of pitfalls and issues.  Other topics of this nature recommended by delegates included revitalizing and realigning a morbid Friends group, amalgamation issues and procedures and more in working relations with staff.

OLA 2001 PLANNING – A topic for next year’s OLA Friends Day became an obvious choice, and what made it even better was that, by the end of the conference, some speakers were identified.  The topic will be AMALGAMATION.

Municipal amalgamation has affected how public library service is delivered in many cities and towns.  FOCAL’s session will look at how this amalgamation is affecting Friends Groups.  Issues could relate to governance, the role of an umbrella group, and advantages and disadvantages.  Terry Sarazen of Ministry of culture, Citizenship and Recreation Southern Ontario Library Service will be one speaker.  During focus groups, which followed FOCAL’s luncheon, Terry made a commitment to work with a task force to develop an "Amalgamation Toolkit" for Friends.

CONSTITUTIONS AND BYLAWS – We frequently get questions asking for samples of constitutions and bylaws.  If you have documents that you are willing to share, please e-mail a file to Jami van Haaften (jvanhaaf@cyberbeach.net) for inclusion on our web page.

Q & A – We are working on a new feature for the website, which will be questions and answers.  FOCAL executive, or appropriate experts we contact, will answer questions submitted by members.  Those who authored the information will approve the text of the questions and answer before it is made public.
 

FRIENDS OF CANADIAN LIBRARIES  <www.friendsoflibraries.ca>

FOCUS ON NORTHERN ONTARIO
Once again, the FOCAL banner will be displayed at the OLS-NORTH CONFERENCE in Sudbury on 4th May.  Vice-President, Jami van Haaften will have copies of FOCAL newsletters, bookmarks and other resources to exhibit for public library delegates in Northern  Ontario.

Two days earlier, Jami and other members of the Sudbury Public Library Friends’ group will visit North Bay.  Paul Walker, CEO of North Bay Public Library has asked Jami to represent the Sudbury Friends’ Group and FOCAL as a Guest speaker in order to develop a Friends’ group in this community.

The Public library in St. Charles is also working towards that goal and had booked Jami in January to speak to their Library Board and those interested in forming a Friends Group.  However, a search for a new CEO for the St. Charles Public Library has delayed the launch of their Friends group initiative.
 

ONTARIO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION’S MILLENNIUM CENSUS

Stand up and be counted!!!  Visit the following website….www.accessola.org/other/action2000/

The OLA’s ADVANCE ONTARIO TASK FORCE LAUNCHES THE OLA MILLENNIUM PROJECT WITH A CALL TO ALL THOSE WHO WORK OR SUPPORT LIBRARIES IN ONTARIO, PAID OR VOLUNTEER, FULL OR PART-TIME, TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTER – FRONT-LINE PEOPLE., TRUSTEES, MEMBERS OF FRIENDS GROUPS, STUDENT-AIDES, TEACHER-LIBRARIANS, SECRETARIES – YOU TELL THE WORLD WHAT YOU DO FOR ONTARIO’S LIBRARIES.  EVERYONE WILL BE LISTED IN THE ONTARIO LIBRARIES AT 2000
DIRECTORY AT THE OLA WEB SITE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE OLA’S 100TH
ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE.
 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS  !!!!

THANKS TO GROLIER-EDU-REFERENCE FOR AGAIN SPONSORING
1000 FRIENDS BUTTONS FOR THE CLA CONFERENCE IN EDMONTON

WATTERS MARKETING FOR OUR WEB-PAGE BOOK MARKS
(order buttons & book marks for your friends <typo@interlog.net

PACKAGING ALTERNATIVES FOR OUR GREAT CANVAS BOOK BAGS
(order you bags 1-800-807-7860)

THE LIBRARY DEPOT FOR ANOTHER $500 DONATION
Check out Elaine Watkinson’s web site <www.lcsyourlibrarydepot.com
For great giftware – and order your Book Lover’s Calendar for 2001