The Yorkton Public Library is seeing positive growth in terms of patron use.
That was a big part of the message to Yorkton Council as the Yorkton Public Library Board made a presentation to City Council Monday.
YPL Board chair Sandra MacColl noted it had been two years since they had appeared before Council, adding it was time to share "details of positive changes we have experienced since we were last here.
The changes include higher facility usage.
In 2011 the door count at YPL was 37,400, climbing to 43,339 in 2012, and up to 44,772 in 2013.
The increase in traffic has meant program attendance has also increased from 2181 in 2011, to 4370 in 2013.
Checkouts are also up from 34,769 in 2011, to 81,951 in 2012 to 95,696 in 2013.
YPL Chief Librarian Meagan Richards added YPL is seeing growing usage from young families seeking books for youngsters, as well as strong support from seniors.
"We still see a lot of people coming in for traditional books," she said.
Richards also noted the library is evolving in its role.
"We're really trying to push programming," she said. "We are not just about books anymore. We're a resource base for the community."
That has meant patrons are as likely to attend the library for an informational meeting, to going online using one of the public computer stations, or to access music CDs and movie DVDs, as they are books.
Richards also noted the YPL is used by several groups which use the facilities for regular events, including the Yorkton Boys and Girls Club, a reborn chess club, bridge club, Parkland Writers Alliance and the Yorkton Genealogical Society.
