The contribution of the Saskatchewan Integrated Library program continued to increase circulation numbers at Weyburn Public Library in 2011. The library's circulation went up .9 per cent in the past year, bringing its total to 144,816.
The contribution of the Saskatchewan Integrated Library program continued to increase circulation numbers at Weyburn Public Library in 2011. The library's circulation went up .9 per cent in the past year, bringing its total to 144,816.
In addition to the increase in circulation, the library also had more Weyburnites participating in library programs. In 2011, 208 programs were offered at the library, up from 130 in 2010.
Children's programming began with 'Read n' Play' in January. The evening involved a variety of games, crafts, and reading. The library then transitioned into their regular schedule of 'Kid's Korner' activities as well as 'Toddler Time' and 'Preschool Storytime.' A new program was introduced for teenage girls called 'Girly Get-ta'gether.' The program gives girls a look into the past with stories, crafts, and cooking from a century ago. As well, volunteers came into the library to teach jazz dance.
Changes in technology also had an influence on the library.
"This year saw increased emphasis on expanding the collections of books on CD and e-books. As well, WPL invited patrons to join them on Facebook and Twitter," said WPL board chair Dianne Sander in her Chairperson's Report.
Joining Facebook and Twitter was a big step forward in the relationship between the WPL and its patrons.
"These new tools will assist us in communicating and interacting with WPL customers," said librarian Kam Teo in his Librarian's Report.
The advancements in technology also played a role in the library's programming. The library introduced one-on-one training for Kobo and e-book readers. As well, computer training continued.
The WPL introduced a new adult programmer to their team in the summer of 2011. Megan Stecyk has come to the library with a combination of fresh ideas and a tech-savvy mindset, according to Teo.
The addition of Stecyk was only one piece of news from the library's adult programming department. The popular 'Armchair Travel Series' continued with trips to New Zealand Chile and the Arctic. The library also held a series of 'Zumba' dance sessions throughout the year.
These additional programs brought an increase to the library's number of adult programs. The library had 198 programs offered in 2011, up from their 2010 total of 149. The total attendance number for both children's and adult programs was 3,008, down slightly from their 3,092 in 2010.
A series of prominent authors also came through the Weyburn branch last year. Local author Ron Ror read from his book 'Tales from the Goodwater Hotel.' Ror was followed by Governor General Award winning author Dianne Warren reading from her book 'Cool Water.' Authors Amy Jo Ehman and Dave Margoshes also made a stop in the city to read from their latest books in a tour sponsored by the Saskatchewan Book Awards.
There were also a few changes to the Weyburn library's board last year. City councillor David Craigen was replaced as the City's representative on the board by Coun. Dick Michel. Also, Glenn Pegg came onto the library board, while Jim Linnell ended his service on the board in 2011.
All in all, 2011 was a successful year for the library according to Sanders. The library had a total of 65,303 check-outs, 64,774 check-ins, 14,291 renewals, and 445 holds for a total circulation number of 144,816. These totals remained close to their 2010 totals of 77,732 checkouts, 73,865 check ins, 13,642 renewals, 1,654 holds for a total of 166,901. Teo said 2010's higher numbers were "mostly because of the new system put in place" with SILS. The goal of the library in 2012 is to "maintain and sustain these numbers" according to Teo.
In 2012, the library wants to give the growing immigrant population a place at the library. The WPL plans to introduce a number of multicultural programs in the new year to provide the city's growing ethnic population a place to display their culture.
With the rapid growth Weyburn has experienced in the past few years, a large number of newcomers to Canada have settled in the area. The library is hoping to become a place where new immigrants can come together to learn more about Canada and share about the culture of their homelands.
"Any public library is a community centre, and the infrastructure to provide information to these newcomers hasn't picked up yet So perhaps the library has to step up to the plate further to help these people," Teo said.
