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Booking it — e-books and e-audio books that is — popular at Squamish Public Library

Library has seen a shift in the way people use its services
Squamish public library

There has been a shift during the pandemic in how locals are using the Squamish Public Library.

Hilary Bloom, the director of library services, said that there has been “a change in usage, and increase in certain ways.”

There has been “a huge increase in the use of e-books and e-audio books,” said Bloom.

The library has shifted many of its services to be more easily accessible online during the pandemic and has updated many of its services, such as its printing service, to be done via an app or online.

Many people are now taking advantage of the take-out service that the library offers.

Library user Teresa Truong told The Chief, while returning and picking up some books via the take-out service, that she has been using the library more during the pandemic and that she uses it in different ways.

Previously she used it for storytime for her child, but now she is using it to pick up children's books.

Others have taken full advantage of the wide range of services and items available at the library.

Shandryn Kozin told The Chief that after she graduated from UBC in the spring and had very little to do in her ample spare time, she frequented the library weekly.

“My weekly trip to the library became one of the highlights of the week,” said Kozin.

“I have taken out everything from fiction to non-fiction to recipe books and photography guides to board games and puzzles."

Kozin said that she is very thankful for the library because it has renewed her love for reading and that the librarians have been a great help.

For some, the librarians have gone above and beyond.

Magee Walker has not set foot inside the library since the pandemic began but has been amazed at how well the librarians helped her pick books out for her child via the take-out service.

“They always gave us amazing kids books - better than I could pick out myself,” said Walker in an email.

When her daughter became obsessed with one small detail in one of the books, a little boy crying about dropping his ice cream, Walker mentioned to the librarian that her daughter could not get enough of the picture.

“Not only did the children's librarian, Kate, provide some awesome books that fit the theme, but she also added a note saying she had added another book by the same author,” said Walker.

“I didn't even mention the crying ice cream book by name — based on the one small detail I gave, in a book that has a million small details… the librarian knew exactly what I was talking about,” said Walker.

As the pandemic continues and people avoid public places, the library has adapted to the times and people continue to appreciate and use the services in a new and safe way.

More information on the Squamish Public Library’s take-out service and other programs can be found on their website.

 

 

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