Count week is over and we thank the more than 80 volunteers across our 4 libraries that helped us get the job done! These numbers will be part of our Annual Survey submission to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Library use continues to increase in our community, with more active card holders each year. The 2009 statistics were recently published. There are more than 40,448 residents with Library cards currently, nearly half of our City population. Within the comparator communities (population 50,000 to 100,000) that places us currently 3rd highest behind Pickering with a population of 92,950 and 43, 972 cards and Clarington at 86,650 and 40,570 card holders. Our goal is to reach out to everyone in the community and encourage them to get to know what we offer. Over the past weekend library staff have volunteered their time after hours and decorated the libraries for the upcoming festive season. Don’t forget our Christmas Open Houses next weekend – Saturday December 3rd, 2-4pm at Stamford Branch, Sunday December...

An upgrade for VSmart - our library automation software has been scheduled for Monday Nov 21st . The upgrade will enable us to offer you enhanced services in our online catalogue. Placing a reservation becomes easier and also look out for features such as Reader Ratings & Reviews and suggestions of similar authors and titles that you might like. Even with the work beginning at 5:30 am we will have down time for most of the day as all the indexes have to be rebuilt. Sorry for any inconvenience. With the end of November and the winter season fast approaching, it's time to make note of the library's Holiday Open houses. Each branch will have sweet treats to savour, some will have make and take crafts for adults and kids while others will feature great local musicians playing your seasonal favourites. Registration will be required for the crafting so be sure to visit your local branch to find out all about it. Dates and times are as follows: Community Centre Saturday, November 26 2 - 4 pm Stamford Centre Saturday, December 3rd 2 - 4 pm (Craft registration required)...

The Children’s’ Saturday craft programs for November are open for registration and this month they have a Christmas or wintery theme. Saturday November 19th there will be two afternoon sessions at the Victoria Avenue Library as the Annual Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade will be filling the morning! Children 6 years and up are welcome to create the Joyful Snowman door hanging at the 1 pm or 3 pm sitting. Also on the 19th at the Chippawa Branch, the project will be a Reindeer wall hanging. On November 26th the Stamford Centre Branch will be crafting a holiday keychain for ages 8 and up, while at the Community Centre Branch they will be making a Christmas Luminary. There is still space in all programs and there is cost of a Loonie per person to offset the cost. Registration in advance in person, on line or by telephone is required. There will also be an adult craft program offered this month at the Victoria Avenue Library on Wednesday November 30th between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. A Silk Tie Dye Scarf might...

Every year for one week during the month of November, public libraries across Ontario are required to “measure and record” the activities within their library. There are specific statistics to be recorded and sent to the Ontario Ministry of Culture to be compiled into the Annual Survey of Public Libraries. These numbers are meant to reflect a typical week and are used also by municipalities to report “library measures” for the Municipal Performance Measures program. We count the number of items circulated, the number of visits to the library, both walk-in and electronic, the number of materials used in the library, and the number of reference inquiries to name but a few. Beginning Sunday, November 13, through Sunday November 20, library users may notice staff counting! Several weeks back, a call for volunteers to be “counters” went out for this week and there are still some hours available. Please call any branch library for remaining available time slots, if you are interested. The Niagara District Art Association members are the featured exhibitors in the Rosberg Gallery this month. A variety of work is on display for free public viewing during regular library hours. ...