Library usage skyrockets
Proving it better than just its cover, the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library is boasting increased usage over the past year.
David Larsen, library director, recently noted major increases for library usage in 2014 compared to 2013, with 2014 seeing a 135 per cent jump in visitors, climbing to more than 96,000, compared to around 41,000 the previous year.
Computer usage was up 53 per cent, the use of in house items was up 61 per cent (at more than 28,000 items), circulation was up 27 per cent with 164,413 items borrowed, and library cardholders increased by almost half, at 2,709, in comparison to 1,860 in 2013.
Program attendance also saw more than a 100 per cent increase, with almost 5,000 people taking part in library programming.
library has certainly evolved into a place that more than just a warehouse for books, Larsen said.
He noted besides the library traditional collections of books, CDs, DVDs, Blu rays, magazines, and newspapers, library users have access to subscribed online resources such as e books and magazines through OverDrive and Zinio, and streaming services for film, music and audiobooks through Hoopla.
of these are available with a library card both on site and from anywhere in the world by logging on to our website and utilizing your barcode to use these resources. The library has grown well beyond its own walls, Larsen said.
A 2014 user survey involving almost 500 residents showed 80 per cent checked out a book, almost 60 per cent checked out a movie, and 40 per cent used a computer at the library. Varying between 20 to 30 per cent included services such as downloading e books or audiobooks, meeting up with friends or family, using WiFi, and reading a newspaper or magazine.
There are also iPads for in house use, a Smart TV and an Apple TV, which Larsen said would be useful in sharing information for group projects.
Through a $5,000 Dow community grant, the library also offers an adaptive technology station, which has a motorized desk for the visually or physically challenged.
The library will now look to finish its patio room for its creative maker programs, such as quilting, sewing, 3D printing, video shooting and editing, an audio and visual format conversion station, and music and audio recording equipment.
Larsen said regardless of whether funding is increased in the coming years, the library will continue to expand its programming and equipment through partnerships with other groups.
The most recently released numbers came after Larsen and Alex Hennig, library board chairperson, presented an update to council in late spring.
very exciting to see you doing so well in the community and that you serving such a large need, Mayor Gale Katchur said following the presentation.
Teen Takeover triumphs
Kicked off in March, Larsen said the once a month Teen Takeover program has so far been successful. The first event saw 40 teens belting out karaoke, while 50 teens duked it out in a nerf gun war for the second event.
of the toughest demographics to reach in library services is teens, Larsen noted.
do have a strong compliment of teens who use the library regularly, but we want to increase that usership and to promote the library in a fun use, to bring them into the library. noted she heard positive feedback not only from teens, but also from their parents, saying: certainly heading in the right direction.
Larsen said the $12 card cost, with a $3 supplementary card, can be considered cheap for the value of the dollar for the year, but said it can be a burden on some residents.
that, we do not want to have a barrier in place for http://www.cheapjerseys11.com/ star trek tricorder app apk Cheap http://snipd.net/himalaya-ayurslim-indian-price Order anybody needing our services, Larsen said, noting studies have shown library usage increases during tough economic times.
Of the library $1.25 million operating budget, card fees brings in $25,000 annually. Larsen said membership and usage would increase if these fees were eliminated.
Coun. Stew Hennig agreed that $25,000 like a fairly low amount, adding: you switched to not charging, I don think you have a huge bunch of folks opposed to that. added the library should uphold late fees.
What next
Over the next three years, the library will focus on promoting early literacy for children up to the age of five, with a goal of preparing kids for school required reading; providing life long learning for all residents; and creating a central information source for community resources, services, agencies, and organizations.
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