The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
The Library recently held its Annual General Meeting. This annual event is not only a legislative requirement but an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and to share the goals and aspirations of the Library for the coming year.
2016 accomplishments highlighted the Library’s mission of connecting community to culture, knowledge and ideas. Specifically, the Library reconfiguration project, a project three years in the making, improved and updated the Library space to reflect the changing use of the Library and the evolving needs of our community. Though the changes didn’t include expanding the existing Library footprint, many people comment on how much larger and spacious the Library now feels. The newly reconfigured space provides an ideal venue for community members to come together to learn, share and discover.
In 2016 Library usage continued to climb. There were over 93,000 visits to the Library and 162,963 items borrowed. The usage of the Library’s digital collections also continues to grow; our members borrowed 15,619 ebooks and online audiobooks. The Library offered 475 events and workshops with over 6,500 people attending.
The AGM is also an opportunity to thank the volunteers, the skilled Library staff and the Library Board for their contributions in helping achieve these accomplishments. This year we said goodbye and thank you to Janet Genders and Board Chair Manjit Kang, who combined devoted 13 years to the Library Board, and we welcomed Janine Young and Ted McNicol as new trustees.
In 2017 the Board will embark on developing a new strategic plan. They are committed to reaching out to stakeholders, residents and partners to learn how best to respond to the needs of the community and advance the Library.
The complete Library annual report can be viewed online or copies are available at the Library.
For information on any Library program or service drop by the Library, visit our website: gibsons.bc.libraries.coop or call us at 604-886-213. Remember all library programing and services are free.
