Stettler Public Library patrons will enjoy a new look with the library’s renovations and improved services at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
“It’s been a year of big changes for the library,” said librarian Mary Zazelenchuk. “It’s going to be a lovely new space and better services to the community.”
Those will library cards can access more than 100 popular magazines on their tablet or computer through Zinio e-Magazine platform aimed at increasing education, access to information, and entertainment.
“Magazines are never overdue,” said Zazelenchuk. “You can set it up from home. It’s pretty much like a physical magazine.”
In addition, the library’s press display provides 1,200 national and international newspapers.
“You can access newspapers from your home country and read them in your own language.”
The library’s math and science tutoring program, mostly for Grade 5 to Grade 8 students but for students of any age, with a qualified teacher, has been well- received, said Zazelenchuk.
“It’s a free service and is once a week.”
The programs for seniors at the lodges and young children continue to be popular.
“We reached over 900 seniors (and 2,000 children),” said Zazelenchuk.
The library’s circulation for the year at the end of November was 57,238.
The new library space is larger, more welcoming, brighter, and has more seating, and a fireplace, said Zazelenchuk.
“I think we will have more traffic and will be able to offer different programming.”
To accommodate the anticipated additional traffic, the library has budgeted for an additional 10 circulation staff hours per week. In total they requested $106,177 from the county.
“We’re pretty well supported by the community and councils, but we need that extra staff time in order to offer good service and we will continue to seek out grant money for summer employment,” she said.
County council acknowledged the public library’s request for financial assistance for the amount of $106,177 in the 2014 budget. Council passed its interim budget Dec. 11, but hasn’t approved its 2014 budget yet.