Does your library system have a First Nation Reserve nearby?
Do students from that reserve attend schools in your community?
Are the residents of the reserve and students eligible for free library cards in your system?
Do you sponsor a First Nation Library through FOPL?
FOPL believes that First Nation residents should be eligible for all of the rights and privileges of library card ownership in their local communities. When public library systems step up we make a difference – a big one!
Here is a very simple reciprocal borrowing agreement for public library systems to sign with their local First Nation Reserves and First Nation Public Libraries.
TEMPLATE FN Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement
This model reflects the work of Six Nations Public Library and Brantford Public Library.
This can be a very good initiative to foster Truth and Reconciliation and meet the goals of the CFLA T&R and Indigenous Matter principles.
Also, if your local First Nation Community does not have a First Nation Public Library of their own, you can cooperate to become eligible for PLOG First Nation funding under an LSP arrangement. To learn more, contact FOPL executive diretcor, Stephen Abram (sabram@fopl.ca).