By Josh Hall - RD News Now

Library cards now free permanently in Red Deer

Jan 1, 2018 | 5:00 AM

RED DEER, AB – You get a library card, you get a library card, everybody gets a free library card.

Red Deer Public Library has announced that now and forevermore, adults in Red Deer can obtain a library card absolutely free.

“A free library card is our way of ensuring all Red Deerians, from children to seniors, can enjoy the library without barriers,” says Jim Taylor, Library Board Chair. “Continuing to offer free cards also provides the board with the opportunity to fulfill our plan of service and promote board values.”

The move comes after RDPL began offering adults free cards starting last July 1, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Since then, 1,873 new cards have been registered and another 3,210 have been renewed. In total, there are 19,553 registered library cards in Red Deer.

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“Your library card isn’t just your key to for borrowing physical items such as books, music and movies,” adds Christina Wilson, CEO, Red Deer Public Library. “Your card is also your key to unlock a huge online library where card holders can access streamed content such as movies, music, consumer reports, eBooks, magazines, car repair databases, newspapers from around the world, language learning programs and so much more.”

2018 promises to be a big year for Red Deer Public Library. January 2 will mark the first day for Shelley Ross, who is taking over as CEO from Christina Wilson, who is retiring. Ross comes to Red Deer by way of Medicine Hat’s library system.

As well, RDPL will install new wireless infrastructure, add furniture to the adult floor at the downtown branch, and there are hopes to open a digital literacy lab.