The holidays are over and it’s a new year and a new decade. Already 10 years gone since the new Millennium, and Y2K! There have been many changes in our world, in our lives personally, and also at the Niagara Falls Public Library. Access to the Internet, wireless access (at the Victoria Avenue Library), DVD’s instead of VHS, and Playaways are all new at our library since the “turn of the century”. We have our brilliant new Community Centre branch in operation for 4 years already. The library still provides many of the traditional library services, including books and the reading and literacy based programming, especially for children. These are still as relevant and important today as ever, but – today’s public library is also more open and accessible to all residents. Our website and online database and reference resources offer 24/7 service, from home or wherever you are able to log in from. You may wonder if the traditional physical library is still needed in this digital age. Yes it is – but we realize that we need to engage young people today on their terms and recognize how they work and want to get their information. The smart phone and the internet are all part of that dynamic. Nevertheless, humans still want to connect and interact with others, to meet face to face. The NFPL endeavours to be that kind of meaningful place, by responding appropriately to the changing needs of our community. We had 31,277 active library members in 2000, today we have 39,028!
Library Membership is free to all residents of Niagara Falls. As long as you are able to provide proper verification of you residence address, you have free access to all the resources and materials the library provides. Start 2010 off with a visit to your library and see for yourself what is new!
The last in the series of New Release movies for this week: “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is being shown this afternoon at 2pm in the LaMarsh Room.
Philosophers Café resumes on January 4th, with the question “What is...?". This is a "wild card" conversation. Sometimes we go off topic. Sometimes we cross topics. This time, the discussion is open to whatever topics you wish to raise, with the usual facilitation, plus a bit extra. Join us at 7pm in the Rosberg Gallery at the Victoria Avenue Library.
There is still time to get in on children’s programming for the Winter session. The winter programming insert is available at all locations, or check it out on the web page and register online or please call the Library for more information at 905-356-4053.
Beginning today, all libraries are back on regular schedules and opening hours are normal. Both the Victoria Avenue Library and the Community Centre Branch are open tomorrow regular Sunday hours 1-5pm.