May 2

Written by: Joe Longo
Friday, May 02, 2008 

2007 was another busy year at the library as described in our just released annual report. Copies are at our libraries while supplies last and it can always be found on our website.

Last year our 40,914 active cardholders borrowed 654,693 library books and other materials from our collection of 310,139 print volumes and 29,119 audio visual volumes. Our library borrowed 2335 items from libraries across Canada for our residents and we loaned to other libraries 2295 items.

In a typical week, 10,249 people entered our library in person and there were 37,337 electronic visits to our website; 2,438 reference questions were answered by trained staff and 6,893 items were used in the library in a typical week.

There were 1,406 programs held throughout the year attended by 24,829 people of all ages.

Programming is a longstanding way to help meet the informational, cultural, educational and recreational needs of our community and to promote various library resources and services.

Among Ontario public libraries serving populations of 50,001 to 100,000, the Niagara Falls Public Library is one of the top libraries with high annual attendance of over 24,000 people at more than 1,400 library events.

2007 saw library staff conduct popular “Travelling Tales” outreach programs for pre-school children at many more sites throughout the city. A new evening Family Storytime started for parents and their children of all ages.

A new Summer Breezes Book Club for teens was launched to join the Summer Reading Club and Read-To-Me summer programs for youngsters. More than 1300 enjoyed these programs and 710 attended two magic shows held at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Children’s book and craft programs entertained and instructed more than 10,000.

There were more than 270 class visits to the library showing the library’s collections and services to almost 5000 students .

Adults enjoyed many Meet the Author events, concerts, films, book clubs, lectures, art exhibitions and income tax clinics for low income earners. Groups at the new “Philosopher’s Café” explored a variety of important topics.

2007 saw an expanded series of programs for teenagers including Teen Nights with local bands performing after hours on Friday nights. Our Library’s MySpace Page has about 1300 friends.