Council heard recently about the multitude of programs offered at the Sundre Municipal Library which provide a crucial social return for every dollar spent.
“A few years ago, someone described the Sundre library as the living room of our community,” said manager Karen Tubb, who was accompanied by programmer Joy Willihnganz, at the the June 24 meeting.
“We’ve thought a lot about that comment since we first heard it and we think it fits, so we’d like to share some stories to show you why,” said Tubb.
Willihnganz and Tubb took turns providing insight on the variety of available programs that cater to a wide demographic of people — from youths and parents to single adults and seniors — in a safe, welcoming space.
Some of the programs, they said, also include opportunities for new mothers who might feel lonely and are seeking to connect with others as well as several clubs that also offer chances to forge relationships. Patrons of all walks of life are considered in planning, and the library even has audio books for people with vision impairments. In the digital age, not everyone is adept at working with computers, but the library has staff who can offer individual assistance in navigating the e-world.
Additionally, the delivery of services — such as educational programs that facilitate learning English as a second language, offering assistance filling out and faxing government forms, as well as employing technology to help students complete online courses — results in substantial social return on every dollar invested.
“The library is happy to reduce the anxiety of exam writing by providing a venue close to home,” said Tubb.
She noted the library’s efforts help to keep more dollars in people’s pockets, citing as an example statistics tracking eight patrons who on average have since 2015 saved a total of more than $12,500.
“We wonder how much our other 1,500-plus patrons have saved,” she said.
With summer upon us, she added the reading club for kids is back, and that the third annual adult summer reading games was also lined up. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to establish what she called a “library of things,” and in concluding their presentation she extended an invitation for members of council to visit the library.
Coun. Richard Warnock agreed the library serves as a gathering hub for the community and said he is “blown away by what the library does.”
Coun. Cheri Funke moved to accept the presentation for information, which carried.
Coun. Paul Isaac commented to confess that while he currently does not find himself frequenting the library, he has heard only positive feedback.
“From what I hear from people that do use it, it’s a pretty amazing library for a town our size,” said Isaac, expressing gratitude.
Tubb pointed out that with a library membership, patrons are able to virtually access resources without even coming through the doors simply by signing out, for example, e-books on devices.
“You don’t even have to come into the building. If you need help with that, we’ll show you how!” said Tubb.
