Follow-up: Teen Engagement and the Hamilton Public Library

By , Editor |

The Hamilton Public Library is getting much better at tracking its data and producing in-depth reports on library usage. Last week, they released a report on physical circulation demographics across all the branches. The data shows teens are under-represented as borrowers of the library’s physical materials. This probably didn’t surprise anyone; however, at two branches – Kenilworth and Mount Hope – borrowing by those 14 to 24 was in line with their proportion of the catchment demographics. I emailed Lita Barrie, Director, Collections & Youth Services for the HPL to discuss the report.

The Public Record Kicked Out of City Hall Public Meeting for “Broadcasting” By Tweeting

By , Editor |

Just another day at Hamilton City Hall… The Public Record was ordered to leave a public meeting of the Property Standards Committee today after the City Hall objected to the use of Twitter in the public gallery. The City says the use of a “electronic device” by a member of the public to post to Twitter constitutes “broadcasting” and is forbidden under new rules. The rules are not publicly available on the City website. These are the tweets the City Manager’s Office says constitute “disruptive behaviour”:

Robert Miles is a public figure in Hamilton, a Realtor and manager for one of largest property owners in the downtown.

In CHP. v. Hamilton, Courts Will Decide on Transgender Rights, Political Party Expression, and Federal Provincial Jurisdiction

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It’s easily the biggest legal case out of City Hall yet – the Courts will decide on the balance between transgender rights and political party expression, combined with the classic question of Confederation – the divide and overlap between federal and provincial jurisdictions, this case is likely bound for the Supreme Court of Canada.

Here’s an overview of some of the issues and background in this case.

The Two Touchstones Joey Coleman is Watching for at Council in 2017

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Originally posted on Now.ThePublicRecord.ca, TPR’s microblog

I’m breaking with traditional journalistic convention in this start of the year look ahead post. I’ll pass on listing topics of debate in the coming year and tackle a bigger issue. In 2017, I’ll be watch for progress on two culture touchstones, because no matter the issue, they’ll define Council’s success during the coming year. The two touchstone issues are dignity and diligence. Will Councillors uphold and enhance the dignity of their offices in 2017?