Think libraries are outdated and going the way of the rotary phone? Think again.
Squamish Public Library had one of its busiest summers to date.
During the months of July and August, the library served 63 and 64 visitors per hour, respectively.
That is 27 per cent more than the average for 2014, which saw on average about 49 visitors per hour, according to Hilary Bloom, director of library service for the Squamish Library.
The uptick is thanks to longer hours open, Bloom said, but also because of new programing at the Squamish library, which is in the heart of downtown.
“It is not a nostalgic little building on the corner, there’s amazing stuff going on,” said Bloom.
“We still are that nice, comfortable, cozy place to come and get materials, but we do so much more than that.”
The library is a community gathering place, Bloom said, and the library hosts many events every week and month of interest to different sectors of the community. For example, Maker Mondays, when a new technology is introduced, are held every month. One Monday, a 3-D printer was brought in, and another time, a Claymation workshop was held.
A session of basic bike maintenance was taught in the library’s back parking lot.
“It is free access to everybody,” Bloom said of the events.
The library also has a family pass to the Britannia Mine Museum that can be taken out on loan, just like a book, and used for a weekend.
“I see it not that library’s role has completely shifted, but that the role of libraries has expanded,” said Bloom, adding there are author readings, lecture series and unique programing such as an adult colouring evening.
Bloom said the library aims to build on its recent successes by increasing memberships by 500 in October, National Library Month. Therefore, the first 200 people to sign up for a new card will receive a swimming or skating pass to Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
For more on the Squamish Public Library go to squamish.bc.libraries.coop.
“If people haven’t been to the library in a long time, they would be quite surprised.
October events at Squamish Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m.: Community Open House
Friday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Kindergarten Reception – all new kindergarten students are invited to visit the library in their pyjamas and enjoy a story time.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m.: Canadian children’s author and Order of Canada recipient Eric Walters visits the library
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.: Quest Lecture Series – Rich Wildman – Details and Implications of Three Western Droughts. Visit www.squamish.bc.libraries.coop.
