Dear Editor,
This summer I had the privilege of volunteering at the Barrhead Public Library which was so much fun that I still loiter around helping out through the week. This was a job for the summer I knew I would enjoy based on experiences gained through my travels as to how valuable a resource the Library is, as well how important it is to support it when able. Recently while visiting friends, a younger acquaintance became dismayed as she learned a job she was interested in was available. Unfortunately she lacked resumes. Her solution was to wait for her mother to return from a trip in a week and utilize their household printer, which was currently out of ink. I informed her that the library is more than equipped to help. From using the computers to tweak the resume to printing off enough copies to last. She was stunned to learn that the Library can do all that without a membership. Her lack of knowledge to this was shocking, especially as she is a recent graduate from our high school. After a few moments of reflection however I recalled my own ineptitude when it came to knowing the opportunities and resources a Library has to offer. This lead to a discovery, nay realization, that not only my generation but adults in general are less than informed on what a Library does and what they have available.
So what does the Library have to offer besides books? For starters the Library is much larger than the building and books you see. As a member of the Yellowhead Regional Library network our Library has access to nearly one hundred thousand different titles when using our now common digital devices. This network allows patrons to check out e-books, audio books, newspapers, magazines and Alberta education textbooks digitally to name a few. Aside from it’s classic uses however the Library offers free wi-fi to go with Starbucks coffee! (from a Kureg machine for a dollar, but still). As well the Library is a hub for social activities for all ages be it via the book clubs, pre-school programs, art gallery displays, usable computers, iPads for kids, etc. Additionally if the Library doesn’t have a traditional book in its collection they can draw from over 200 other libraries to bring what you require.
The point is, I know that not many realize all that a library has to offer, nor how important it is to a community.
After helping out for a few months at Barrhead’s Library and getting to know all the staff both in front of and behind the curtain, I became aware that attendance is dropping year to year despite offering more and more. Thus my advice to the people of Barrhead is; stop by the Library and see for yourself what it has to offer. October is the Canadian Library month which is a month dedicated to exploring library and information services in Canada. This makes it a perfect time to indulge in a little knowledge.
You may discover that the local library is a valuable resource to you; be it with a book, an information super highway vehicle named ‘computer,’ a group that will introduce you to a new hobby or even a friendly smile from the excellent librarians who manage the front desk.
The sky is the limit when it comes to the Library.
Kyle Hughes
