The Okanagan Regional Library board of trustees expects a report on expansion plans for the Summerland branch when it next meets in May.
At the Feb. 15 meeting of the board, 10 new members joined for their first meeting. The 25-member library board is comprised of representatives from municipal councils, regional districts and First Nations councils throughout the library district.
With municipal elections held last November, 10 board positions now have new representatives.
Executive members were also chosen, with Ted Bacigalupo from the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District being elected as chair for his fifth year.
Other executive include Carol Zanon, West Kelowna, vice chair; Mark Pendergraft, Okanagan Similkameen Regional District, finance chair; Peter Schierbeck, Peachland, policy and planning chair; and Marilyn Harkness, Princeton, personnel chair.
At the meeting the board also heard an update on construction progress of the new Vernon branch, set to open to the public on May 5.
Substantial contributions from Telus, the Vernon Friends of the Library and community members are being explored that will make the new branch the most technologically up-to-date in the ORL system.
This grand opening will coincide with the Vernon Friends of the Library Book Sale, held from May 3 to 6 at the Vernon Curling Rink, so book lovers in the North Okanagan will be able to enjoy a weekend of special activities.
Additionally, the board discussed plans for other branches.
The Westbank branch will be undergoing renovations later this spring to increase its size from 6,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet, in recognition of the area’s growing population.
The Summerland branch is also due for size upgrades and the board will receive a report on recommendations for next steps in May.
Peter Waterman is Summerland council’s representative to the Okanagan Regional Library board and Summerland Friends of the Library. Orv Robson is the alternate.