From November 18 to 24, our four libraries conducted the annual count of use by the public. We thank the many volunteers who helped us with this annual survey during this busy week. Over those seven days a total of 10,249 entered the library, borrowed 12,611 books and other items, asked 2,342 reference questions to library staff and consulted 6,893 books, magazines and newspapers while inside the library. 1,586 people used the library's free Internet computers. There were also 37,337 electronic visits to the library's website www.nfpl.library.on.ca, and 96 electronic reference questions were answered by staff. Today's public libraries address literacy, workforce training, small business vitality, quality of life and public access to digital information. The library is the lifelong place to be, to learn, to grow and to know. Children today need an early introduction to reading and to computer and information literacy if they are going to have any chance of success both at school and in life. Teens today need a safe place where they can explore new worlds in an environment that is nurturing. The library offers services to residents of all ages, backgrounds and social conditions. The library gives businesses access to the expert research skills of professional librarians and information specialists along with the information tools, digital and print, that many small businesses find prohibitively expensive. The library offers a sanctuary, a comfortable place for anyone to be enriched and inspired. Public libraries in Ontario are a resource sharing network providing information and loaning books and other materials throughout the province. Communities today need to become more welcoming, engaging and livable in order to attract the workers necessary to sustain knowledge industries. The public library offers access to cultural resources, activities and opportunities for each community to develop its own unique culture. More than 10,000 people in a typical week come to the Niagara Falls Public Library to enjoy all of these benefits. Visit soon and join your neighbours to discover a world of knowledge.