For the third consecutive year the Innisfail Public Library will be taking a “snapshot” of how important the institution is to the citizens and community.
And unlike previous years when the local “snapshot” was taken over one day, it will be a two-day endeavour this year.
The library is joining others across the province, including those within the Parkland Regional Library system in Snapshot Day 2014 to show what happens in a library in a single day. The concept for Snapshot Day originated with the New Jersey State Library Association, and has spread throughout the United States and Canada.
On October 20 and 21, the Innisfail Public Library will compile statistics, customer comments, photographs and other data chronicling a typical day in the library. The results will be used to accompany local and regional advocacy efforts, as well as provincial initiatives.
Melinda Mercer, youth/adult programmer at the Innisfail library, said the results created a “compelling picture” of the ways in which central Albertans value their library as a place to connect, learn, grow and have fun.
In 2013, 32 public libraries across Central Alberta participated in Snapshot Day. In a single day, 4,870 people visited local libraries, 3,218 items were circulated, 1,949 people participated in library programs and 685 people used their library's computers.
“We predict that the turnout for 2014 will be even bigger as libraries are growing and providing their community with a wider range of services,” said Mercer, adding the local comments received last year were positive.
“They (citizens) enjoyed the programs that we offer, and that the services here are free.”
Mercer said this year's local program will be different than last year because of the extra day and a change in focus.
“We have spread it over two days this year just to get more age groups involved and we are going to kind of average the numbers out because it is only supposed to be over one day. We wanted to include more people,” said Mercer. “We have more children's programming this year. That is why we chose those days, to have more children's programming. Last year it was more for the older kids and maybe the adult book clubs.”
Innisfail's Snapshot Days will be held for the full time the library is open on October 20 and 21. Mercer said preschool children will be the focus on Oct. 20 with ABC & 123 programs starting at 10 a.m. and Rhythm & Rhyme beginning at 11 a.m. The following day will see the focus turned to older children with the Lego Club starting at 4 p.m. and the Intermediate Robotics program beginning at 6 p.m.
Mercer said she's hoping to receive comments from the public that will introduce new programming ideas.
“I am including that on our comment cards this year, to see if there are any improvements they would like to see or additional programs,” said Mercer. “I am hoping to get more of that kind of information where we can build what the community wants.”
For more information on the local Snapshot Day 2014 call the library at 403-227-4407.
