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Casino Nights On April 9, the Minister of Employment and Investment issued a statement to the effect that the Provincial Government had taken action to re-order and stabilize the Province's gaming regime. However, the B.C. Gaming Commission will continue to be the sole agency for charity access to gaming revenue. The proposed new procedures are to be an interim measure, and a new Provincial Gaming Act will be drawn up in 1999. The Minister stated "we have responded to casino charities' concerns that longer hours and increased revenues flowing through casinos have placed unreasonable demands on the number and responsibilities of licensed charities". A sentiment to which we can certainly relate! Confusion around this point has arisen as some media reported that charity volunteers need no longer be in attendance. However, this is definitely not the case and, as far as we are concerned, all procedures remain exactly as before. Accordingly, we will continue with the preparation of our application. At our April meeting, Ann Goodhart outlined her initial plans for the proposed use of funds in the event of a casino licence being granted. This would be the construction of a few small quiet study rooms where patrons could go, shut the door, and achieve a quiet environment. However, the Library is about to embark on a far reaching fundamental study of space availability / usage, which is being funded by the Foundation. This study will look at all areas of the library's real estate, including the Technical Services Building, the basement, the area adjacent to the staff room, car parking areas, etc. to work out the ergonomics and optimisation of space usage. The amount of space available for, and the location of, quiet study rooms cannot be determined until this study is completed The "Proposed Use of Funds" is the most important part of a casino application and it may be, therefore, a little while before our submission can be finalized. The formal proposal, once it has been approved by the Board, will be submitted for Friends' approval. Memorial Library Art Gallery The receptions held at the commencement of the two recent exhibitions by young artists were well attended and most enjoyable, and it was a delight to see the students taking so much pride in their work and entertaining their guests. In addition to tea and coffee provided by the Friends, the exhibitors, through the payment of a small fee, provided delicious fruit punch, sandwiches, a special cake, fruit kebabs, cheese plates, and other "nibbles". Live entertainment was also provided, featuring a guitar and mandolin on April 28 and songwriter / entertainer Peggy Rose on May 12. Assisting the indefatigable Elsa O'Connor in setting up and serving the refreshments were, on April 28, Joanna Scott, Elsie Matheson and Joanna Knight; and, on May 12, Betsy Lee and Betty O'Sulllivan. The themes of the two exhibits were, respectively, "As We See Ourselves" and "Follow Your Dreams". Congratulations to Bridget McDowall of the Library's Visual Arts Committee. Next month's exhibit, running from June 1 to 27, is a collection of watercolours by Mary Baker entitled "Water Stains". Mary is a West Vancouver resident and co-owner of the eclectic gift shop in Dundarave called "The Cherry Tree", which carries many local artisans' work and participates regularly in the Harmony Arts Festival. She has shown fabric sculptures and hangings as well as watercolours in several different venues - Ferry Building, Library, West Van United Church Sanctuary and the Harmony Arts Festival. The reception is on Monday, June 1. The next meeting of The Friends will be on Wednesday May 27 1998 at 7 pm Peters Meeting Room