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West Vancouver Memorial Library Helen Davies, Chair West Vancouver Memorial Library Board The Canadian public library is the most heavily used community facility. With more than 150 million visits per year, this amounts to more than other cultural and sporting events combined! I am surprised but heartened by this sort of statistic. It indicates that libraries continue to be regarded as relevant, vibrant places. However, now, more than ever, patrons have increased expectations of their local library, seeing it as a multi-faceted resource in the information society. Traditionally, libraries have served as repositories of knowledge, serving to stimulate ideas and provoke thought, learning and imagination. Libraries still play this role, but they are also expected to provide new services that meet an increasing range of patron needs. For example, the West Vancouver Memorial Library, along with lending books and materials, offers home delivery service, computer courses, on-line "Ask A Librarian" service, self-check out, electronic databases, a Persian book collection and services for persons with disabilities. Perhaps most importantly libraries operate as a centre for the community, with patrons gathering to undertake formal and informal learning. As a welcoming place where citizens can develop a sense of community belonging and active involvement, libraries continue to benefit all citizens. Patron expectations continue to rise. Libraries need to respond by building on traditional strengths, while also reaching out to all members of the community to ensure the institution's continued relevance. I am pleased to report that the West Vancouver Memorial Library continues to adopt a leadership role with respect to library services. By implementing the Strategic Plan (2003 - 2005) and undertaking an ambitious public consultation initiative, we will build on our successes and embark on new activities that reflect changing patron needs and interests. I look forward to this exciting time at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Man Booker Prize Winner Sails into the Library Yann Martel, Canadian author of Life of Pi, entertained an enthusiastic crowd in The Gallery at the Library on Friday, August 8th. We were all eager to hear Martel read about Pi and Richard Parker, stranded together on a raft in the middle of the Indian Ocean...then to answer our curious questions about his extraordinary playful, yet spiritual, novel. The Friends of the Library served many glasses of thirst-quenching punch as we sailed through the evening. Philosophers' Cafe Beginning September 2003, the West Vancouver Memorial Library will be one of the many venues for the famous Philosophers' Cafes www.westvan1ib.org