Library’s new programs boost usage

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This article was published 23/06/2015 (3970 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since moving to its new location at 6-4910 Roblin Blvd. last January, attendance at Charleswood Library has more than doubled and circulation has increased by 40 per cent.       
The increase, in large part, is attributed to the programs and services being offered at the new location, according to Nadine McCaughan, branch head.   

“We had some programs before but we didn’t have the space,” McCaughan says. “Our programs have increased 100 per cent at the new location.”

These include an adult book club, a mystery book club, a literary adventure walking club, in which participants read a non-fiction adventure book and go for a walk and discussion, and an NFB film club, which meets every second Friday to view films.         

“There’s also reading clubs for children and youth, which will keep them reading all summer,” McCaughan says.

“They include a children’s summer reading club, which they register for at the library, and a teen summer reading club, which they can register for online.”

This fall, the library will also be offering a teen book club for students in grades 7-12 and a tween book club for nine-to-12 year olds.  A youth advisory council meets every six weeks to share ideas about  teen programs and services. Other programs include presentations from local authors, photographers and artists.   

“We want our focus to be community based so we bring in local personalities,” she says.

The collection of books range from mysteries to biographies and a multilingual section that includes French, Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian titles; as well as large print books.

In addition, the library provides access to digital resources, which includes ebooks and eaudiobooks, music and movies. Computer programs are also offered as well as eBook Help, which is a one-on-one session.   

Community outreach was crucial in gauging community needs, McCaughan points out.   

 “We did presentations at a number of organizations and schools and even went to some local fairs to talk about the programs and services we offer, and to get feedback from the community.”     

“People are always amazed at the number of programs and services we offer, and they’re all free,” she continues. “The library itself is a wonderful environment for people who just want a place to study or use a computer.”

For more information or to register for programs, call 204-986-3072.  To visit the website, go to wpl.winnipeg.ca/library

Donna Minkus is a community correspondent for Charleswood.