West Vancouver, B.C.—The West Vancouver Memorial Library (WVML) is the recipient of the 2021 W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors. Presented every two years, the award is given to a library which offers innovative and excellent service to their senior population.
At WVML, an entire department is devoted to serving the seniors’ community: Assistive Services. The Assistive Services team works tirelessly to expand accessible collections, deliver materials to care homes, build partnerships, and run programs and events.
One such program, Dial-a-Story: Indigenous Storytelling by Squamish Elders, was presented in partnership with the Squamish Nation Elders Centre. This program provides a low-barrier opportunity for patrons to connect with others, and not only allowed isolated members of the community to listen to a story, but also gave Squamish Elders a chance to tell their stories and connect with their wider community. This program reached more than 230 members of our senior population, and ongoing sessions continue to reach more people.
In addition, the Assistive Services team makes weekly deliveries of library materials to approximately 175 seniors in the community. The team also maintains collections of DAISY players, Talking Books, and dementia-friendly pastime kits and simple music players, and offers extensive readers’ advisory.
One patron said, “This service has made an important contribution to the wellbeing of seniors who have suffered the isolation of the past several months. Thank you so much for finding a way to make this happen.”
“This award is an unbelievable honour and is truly deserved by WVML’s amazing Assistive Services team,” Acting Customer Experience Coordinator Kendra Sakamoto said. “Their tireless efforts have ensured that their patrons, most of whom are unable to come to the library, have been able to remain connected and engaged during this unprecedented period of social isolation. The Assistive Services team is incredibly valued in this community and this award is truly a testament to their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of West Vancouver seniors.”
The award includes a a $500 cash prize, which will go towards the Assistive Services’ department.
About the Award
Named for Canada’s first National Librarian, the W.K. Lamb Award recognizes outstanding library service to seniors. Open to any library across Canada, whether private, public, governmental, special or postsecondary it is awarded biennially, when merited. The award is co-sponsored by Ex Libris
Association (ELA) and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB).
W. K. Lamb Media release
Media contact
Sarah Barton-Bridges, Head of Communications
604-925-7407