MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Volunteers, including Mountain View County residents, continue to play a vital role in the ongoing success of the Sundre Municipal Library, says new manager Joy Willihnganz.
Appearing before Mountain View County council at its Jan. 11 meeting, Willihnganz outlined some of the recent activities and plans for the popular library facility, which is partially funded by the county.
“We have volunteers who believe in the library and love what we stand for and what we do,” she said. “As we’ve gotten more programming geared towards younger people there have been more of the parents who have jumped in and started volunteering.
“We have faithful patrons who put in hours and hours and hours for some of our events and fundraising. They do it because they love it.”
Goals of the library in 2023 include building community wellness through art and culture programming and opportunities through creative expression, expanding partnerships with community groups to offer increased intergenerational programming, and supporting youth through programming that enhances educational learning, she said.
Visitors to the library used the facility’s computers for a great variety of activities, including school work, job searches, entertainment and research.
Programs at the library include summer reading club, tech programs, adult craft classes, author talks and media literacy classes, she said.
“Tech tutoring remains a popular service for seniors and adults,” she said. “A growing number of younger residents are looking for support updating and printing their resumes.”
The library supports art and culture through displaying travel exhibits, showcasing local authors and participating and hosting special events, she said.
“We are pleased to partner with many organizations and community groups as well,” she said. “The library space is made available for free and can be available inside or outside library hours.”
Providing internet connections remains one of the library’s key services, including for rural residents who might not otherwise have access, she said.
The library’s 3D printing machine is well used for a variety of projects, she said.
Willihnganz also presented the library’s 2023 budget, which calls for donations of $19,000, fees and services of $3,250, government of Alberta support of $41,490, Mountain View County support of $57,000, Town of Sundre support of $110,315, for total revenue of $231,055.
Expenses include accountant and professional fees of $4,000, advertising and promotion of $1,000, collection acquisitions of $13,150, computer equipment and software $600, continuing education and professional development of $2,950, facility expenses of $39,600, office, equipment and supplies of $11,000, programs of $4,850, and wages and benefits of $155,050, for total expenses of $233,800.
She thanked the county for providing financial support to the library.
Division 6 councillor Peggy Johnson told Willihnganz, “I use the Sundre library and I am very impressed with all the great offerings you have. I think you are doing a great job.”
Reeve Angela Aalbers said the library is a valuable community asset.
“I never hear anything other than wonderful things about the library and we really appreciate everything you do and we appreciate the volunteer base and say thank you for being such an important part of our community,” said Aalbers.
Council received Willihnganz's report as information.
