Member Spotlight: Richmond Public Library
In our Member Spotlight series, we shine a light on our BC Libraries Co-op members and partners, exploring how they use our services and the unique challenges and successes they experience.
Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library, answers our questions on the recent milestone, their member experience and her decision to run for the BC Libraries Cooperative’s Board of Directors this year.
Your library is celebrating 50 years, what does this milestone mean to you and your community?
It is a source of great pride that our library continues to be so well used and valued by our community. For 50 years, Richmond Public Library (RPL) has provided access to information, programs, and life-enriching experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.
As a leader in innovation and the adoption of new technologies, RPL has evolved alongside changing expectations. We’ve moved from card catalogues, a single computer, and rows of traditional stacks to spaces designed for connection and discovery—modern environments for meeting and collaboration, access to laptop dispensers and 3D printers, and expansive digital collections including eBooks and magazines.
We continue to focus on improving accessibility—from going fine-free in 2021 to designing more inclusive digital experiences and introducing technologies that support accessible programming. Grounded in our values, RPL is well positioned to continue improving how we serve our community.
How has BC Libraries Co-op supported your library or team in meaningful ways?
The BC Libraries Co-op’s work negotiating contracts and pricing for digital products has been a significant support to RPL. Consortia pricing allows us to stretch our budget further and reallocate savings to expand access to digital content.
From an advocacy perspective, the BCLC has helped secure shared funding and strengthen understanding of the role libraries play in their communities. COVID relief funding directed through the BCLC continues to support shared digital resources, including LinkedIn Learning and OverDrive Magazines. Our community has also benefited from OverDrive credits that helped reduce holds on popular titles.
RPL staff also value the BCLC’s learning and development opportunities, including the eBook Summit and sector-wide discussions on emerging topics such as AI-generated content and collection development.
Have any Co-op services helped improve accessibility at your library?
The National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) continues to support accessible services by providing additional audio materials for RPL’s Home Services collection. The Accessibility Assessment Framework, developed by the Public Library Accessibility Working Group, has also been a valuable resource, informing our approach to delivering inclusive programs and services.
What lessons or insights from the past year would you share with other member libraries?
It is vital to center customer service and community needs in decision-making—from collections and programming to service design, outreach, and partnerships. Being responsive to customer feedback ensures the library reflects the community it serves.
Equally important is applying an accessibility lens to all work. When this is a shared responsibility across staff teams, we deliver more equitable and inclusive services.
What value does the cooperative model bring to your library and your role as an incoming Board Director?
Libraries thrive through collaboration, and being part of the BCLC enables us to do just that. Beyond shared services, our staff highly value the training, support, and strong community of practice the Co-op provides.
As an incoming Board Director, I’m looking forward to learning from BCLC staff and fellow directors, while also bringing my own perspective and experience to support strong, responsive governance.
What inspired you to run for the Board?
I love the library sector—we are rooted in teamwork, and in sharing knowledge and resources. The BCLC reflects these values and delivers services that benefit libraries of all sizes, across both public and academic contexts.
I believe we can achieve more when we work together, so joining the Board felt like a natural way to give back to a sector that has given me so many opportunities.
What upcoming projects, events, or priorities are you most excited about?
We have several exciting initiatives underway, including the recent launch of our new website and brand. We are also looking forward to the opening of the new Steveston Community Centre and Library in late 2026.
With the library’s space tripling in size, we will be able to expand services, including a community living room, study and meeting spaces, enhanced technology, and larger collections. Unique features, such as viewing portals that allow community to see how materials are sorted and returned to shelves, will offer a behind-the-scenes experience. We look forward to welcoming the community into this new space.
BC Libraries Co-op member since:
RPL has been a member since the Co-op’s inception in 2009. Former Chief Librarian Greg Buss served on the interim Board of Directors in 2008.
Co-op services your library uses:
RPL uses NNELS to support readers with print disabilities and benefits from the Co-op’s licensing work to secure strong pricing and access to digital resources.