New building sparked big growth in library use in CBS, says chairman
The Conception Bay South Public Libraries Board held its AGM this week following a successful first year in its new location on Remembrance Square, Long Pond.
The new site saw a bump in both books borrowed and readers registered.
“We had a greatly successful year, it’s been a godsend since the new library has opened,” said chairman Gary Dawe.
The last year in the old, smaller building in Manuels saw approximately 60,000 books circulated through the doors. This fiscal year, Dawe said, some 93,730 books were borrowed.
Before the old library closed, it had around 8,500 registered users, increasing to 11,751 by the end of March of this year.
Dawe attributes the increase in interest to the new building, with its modern facilities and vast increase in space. The spatial upgrades also allowed for an increase in the number of programs and activities the library was able to host, which Dawe tallies at 873 in the past year for young and old alike.
“Our library staff are absolutely fabulous,” he said. “They are the people who really run all of this and come up with, for the most part, the ideas and what-have-you.”
Even though staffing has increased in number from the old location, Dawe said they are still “ran off their feet” given all the new interest.
Sarah Bartlett, the acting Division Manager of Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries’ eastern division was pleased with the new library’s makerspace program, which offers podcasting equipment, a 3D printer, a sewing machine, and even a hydroponic produce unit.
Bartlett noted that libraries aren’t just for books anymore. She sees the library as a place where people can try something new, whether its traditional crafts such as sewing, or new technology and ideas.
“Libraries are changing, and the role we play within our communities,” Bartlett said. “And I think the patrons, particularly of CBS, have had an opportunity to see that over the past year. We are books, but the library is so much more than that… We are primarily a learning space.”
Dawe said the board and the people it serves are fortunate to have what they have today, even though it was a struggle to get there for many years.
The original location had been in operation since 1975 and was cramped for space.
“It’s basically a showcase,” he said. “If you haven’t seen it before, you certainly should. We are going full tilt down there.
Chad Feehan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Shoreline News
