Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library and Community Services Successes

Exterior entrance of the North Kamloops Library

In fall 2022, the City of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) signed a one-year service agreement to provide Community Services Officer support at the TNRD North Kamloops Library to help create a safe space for all patrons.

The areas of assistance and support the Community Services Officer offer to the TNRD include:

  • providing enforcement and security inside and outside of the TNRD’s North Kamloops Library facility
  • educating the public about regulatory rules and investigating complaints
  • mediating between members of the public to leverage voluntary compliance
  • ensuring the security and welfare of the public, controlling minor disturbances, and maintaining various records
  • providing regular reporting to TNRD staff and the Community Services Supervisor

Staff at the TNRD North Kamloops Library have recently shared their feedback of the partnership:

“I am so impressed with the efforts of the CSO position at the North Kamloops Library. I have worked with the public in a supervisory role for over 15 years and it has always been a balancing act of respecting the individual standing in front of you and ensuring the safety of the public and staff in your care. The advances we are making as a community, working together to do all the things we should be doing, to help, to assist, to respect the vulnerable population, makes me feel hopeful. The CSO allows staff to be able to do their job safely, defer and consult when an issue arises - working as a team to find a solution to help if we can, and their presence sets a tone at the library when patrons walk in the door. I profoundly hope this program continues and that it can be modeled in our other branches.” Andy Finnen, Library Assistant.

“Our pilot project has been a great success so far. Incidents have decreased significantly, and I attribute that in large part to having CSOs on site. Many situations which could turn into incidents do not occur because of the manner and approach the CSOs take with our patrons. When situations do escalate or if situations require immediate attention, the CSOs are able to address them quickly and confidently. All the CSOs we have had so far are well trained in the work they do and professional.” Margo Schiller, Manager of Kamloops Libraries and Engagement.

“It's nice having a pair of eyes with the express purpose of watching out for inappropriate / escalating behaviour. CSOs have a much more collaborative and kind approach to patrons, even ones who are really acting out.” Melissa Miller, Early Years Coordinator.

“CSOs know about community resources and are kind to patrons. CSOs have ‘helping out’ behavior which directs people to warming stations or other community facilities” Audrey Ambrus, Adult Services Coordinator.

The partnership is reflective of the strong relationship the City has with the TNRD and our successes in working together to support the needs of residents within the community. >This agreement is being funded by the TNRD and a Strengthening Communities Grant received by the City and will be assessed after one year to determine future operations for the TNRD.

Background: October 3, 2022, News Release: Service Agreement Signed Between City and Thompson-Nicola Regional District