Creation of The Fraser Valley Union Library 1934-1950
In order to continue library service to the Fraser Valley after the Carnegie funds were exhausted, residents were asked to vote whether they wished to support the library through local taxes. A referendum was scheduled for January 1934. The timing was difficult since taxpayers were asked to vote in favour of higher taxes during a severe economic depression. Stewart and her staff launched a massive campaign of public meetings, handouts, posters and newspaper articles to gain support. Twenty of the original 24 areas voted "yes" and the Fraser Valley Union Library was created as the first regional library system in North America.
The resources of the Carnegie Demonstration Project were turned over to the new Library Board of Management on September 28, 1934, during a ceremony held in Chilliwack, BC. At this time, Stewart left the Fraser Valley to organize other regional libraries. Soon after, the library headquarters was relocated to its present location in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
In order to establish the first operating budget, board members voted a per capita tax rate of 35 cents. This low rate of support was a severe handicap to the library service until 1950, when the rate was raised to 40 cents. Even with member municipalities providing rent-free facilities, the library system has always had a challenge of operating with one of the lowest tax levies in the province.
Read more about this topic: Fraser Valley Regional Library
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