TAMRMS#: B05
6.7
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Library Community Outreach Assistant
Notice given by: Councillor MacKay
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
recommendation
That the Library Community Outreach Assistant be funded, with the funding source coming from the municipal tax levy.
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Administration's Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
That the Library's funding for 2026 be increased by $93,000 to be funded from the municipal tax levy to add a second Library Outreach position.
SUMMARY
The St. Albert Public Library's budget request for 2026 includes a request for an increase of $93,000 to add a second Library Outreach position. This position will support the existing Community Outreach Librarian position, restoring .5 FTE that was eliminated in 2022 and adding an additional .5 FTE to support the increased service demands of this crucial community service that brings Library services to locations throughout the community via dedicated mobile van.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The motion to invest in a second Library Outreach position will restore and increase Outreach services. Staffing for this critical service was reduced in 2022 due to fiscal constraint, with the Outreach budget reduced by 18 hours/week. The single Outreach Librarian has done wonders to continue Outreach services with current resources. This 1.0 FTE position will support the Community Outreach Librarian, and supplement staffing to this vital service to meet increased demand driven by a growing population and geographic area.
Funding this position, an additional FTE, is a responsive and cost-effective way to serve our growing city - while continuing to lower barriers to library access and bringing
quality city library services to locations throughout our community. Many of our newer
neighbourhoods do not currently have permanent city services. Expanding Library Outreach services is a cost-effective way to bring these vital amen...
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