Public library sees increased visitors following pandemic restrictions

The annual report shows the number of items borrowed by members of the community are up by 383 per cent. It also shows e-content downloads were more than 63,000.

The library was able to provide more than 6,600 free library cards through its free library card initiative in 2022.

Chief librarian Ken Feser says the report numbers are encouraging to see after the library had to reduce its service from 2020 to 2022 because of the pandemic.

“We are excited and relieved. Post-pandemic you never know how things are going to play out, the world has changed a little bit,” says Feser

“It’s a place for people to come together, there’s lots of social connections happen here so I feel like we are many things to many people and again it’s gratifying that sort of ramp up after we were literally closed for long periods of time,” adds Feser.

Marj James has been a regular visitor of the library since she moved to the city in 2005.

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of this library here. I’ve seen the many, many changes it’s gone through in the last 17 to 18 years and I think it’s really important to keep children especially enticed about reading and finding out new things about the world,” says James.

Katie Letwiniuk is another regular visitor who says the library serves as a gathering place for the community.

“It’s beautiful here, we have this great view out front and just being around downtown especially, there’s so much to do around here and it brings people in,” says Letwiniuk.

The library is planning for a busy summer hosting several workshops and programs for all ages.

This week the popular annual summer book sale is back on Friday and Saturday hosted by Friends of the Public Library.

“It’s a huge deal for people who love it,” says Feser.

by Brendan Miller

Public library sees increased visitors following pandemic restrictions

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