Library Board Seeks Further Legal Advice on Assisted Suicide Workshop

Media Advisory

For immediate release, September 23, 2009

(Vancouver, British Columbia) – The Vancouver Public Library Board of Trustees decided this evening at their monthly meeting to seek further legal advice concerning a request by Exit International, an assisted suicide organization based in Australia, to hold a workshop at the Central Library.

Trustees asked Library management for a report on the issue within two weeks.

The BC Civil Liberties Association made a presentation to the Board at this evening's meeting.

Please see the Library's September 21 news release for background information:
http://www.vpl.ca/news/details/legal_counsel_advises_workshop_could_contravene_criminal_code

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Founded in 1869, Vancouver Public Library is one of Canada's largest library systems, dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading, recreation and information needs of the people of Vancouver. Each year, the Library’s 22 branches serve over 370,000 visitors and offer over 2.5 million items, including books, CDs, DVDs and magazines, and countless online resources.

For further information, please contact:

Jean Kavanagh
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Public Library
604-612-4059
jean.kavanagh@vpl.ca