Whereas there was a suggestion in the Alberta Progressive Conservative 2012 election platform, “Alberta by Design” that the Public Library Services Branch should be possibly moved to the Department of Culture and Community Development

And whereas public libraries are a municipal service and a vital hub for many municipal services including, but not limited to, culture

And Whereas public libraries are established through a municipal by-law

And Whereas regional library systems are created by agreement between municipalities

Now therefore be it resolved that the Alberta Library Trustees Association urges the Government of Alberta to keep the Public Library Services Branch within the Alberta Municipal Affairs Department.

The Second Special Resolution

Whereas the Government of Alberta has recognized public libraries as vital, community hubs:

And whereas the Progressive Conservative party of Alberta identified in its Election Platform 2012 document, “Reaching Our Full Potential”:  Culture and Community Development the intention to explore innovative solutions to keeping unlicensed libraries viable and responsive to their communities, including the designation of public libraries as multi-use facilities and ‘community hubs’ – but return responsibility for libraries back to this ministery;

And whereas, the Alberta Library Trustees Association (ALTA) has advocacy as one of it’s primary mandate;

And whereas Albertans have been clear beneficiaries of the alignment of public libraries with the Municipal Affairs ministry;

And whereas the Government of Alberta has expressed its commitment that change is about listening to Albertans; being transparent and accountable; and building strong collaborative relationships with all our partners;

Be it resolved that a meeting is requested with the Government of Alberta and ALTA so that a fulsome and complete discussion take place prior to any decision being made on this important matter.

 

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s ALTA Board elections!

The nomination deadline has passed and the results are in! Congratulations to the following trustees, elected by acclamation:

For Area 4: Diane Osberg
For Area 6:  Martin Shields
For Area 7:  Kelly Aisenstat (for a one year term)
For Area 8:  Parrish Tung
President-elect: Dwight Nagel from the Alix Public Library Board

The Calgary Public Library representative is Deirdre Harris.

The Edmonton Public Library representative is Kiann Oneill

You will be able to find out more about your new board members in May issue of the Trustee Voice.

 

If you have any questions please send us an email or call the office at 780-761-ALTA.