Library Week celebrates books and services and community at every branch

Ontario Public Library week – October 19-25 – is celebrated across the province and libraries of all sizes use the week as an opportunity to shine a light on value.

The Ontario Library Association shares some key facts that may be surprising.

In 2022, public libraries had 134 million visits a year, or 256 visits every single minute. Ontario’s public libraries offered more than 284,009 programs from pre-school story times to author talks, lectures to art classes and beyond.

Prince Edward County is no exception – with six branches spanning from Consecon to Milford, there’s something for everyone at the library and our annual report underscores how busy we really are.

In 2023, Prince Edward County readers borrowed 192,332 items – books, DVDs, audio books and other lending materials. The library offered 1161 programs attended by 19,609 people. That’s an impressive number by any standard, but it’s even more impressive when you know that it’s a 54 per cent increase from 2022.

There’s something going on almost every day at the library, from regular story times three times a week in Picton, Thursday mornings in Bloomfield and Saturdays in Wellington, regular tech help workshops and author talks, and so much more.

If you haven’t already, get registered for the weekly email new books list. You can sign up at any branch of the library, or on the website at peclibrary.org. In addition to a listing of the books and other new materials at the library, you will also receive notifications of upcoming programs and groups. It’s a great way to stay connected and be part of the library’s kinetic schedule of varied programming.

How does our library manage to serve everyone and offer such a diverse array of programming? We always say that our best ideas come from our patrons – in other words, you. If you have ever thought “I wish there was somewhere I could…” and you think your idea might be a good fit for the library, please reach out. You can chat with your local librarian, reach the library CEO Barbara Sweet at ceo@peclibrary.org or connect with me, Liz Zylstra (Communications, Outreach and Programs), at liz@peclibrary.org. We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions.

We’re grateful for the special grants we receive that help make library service better. Recently, the Bloomfield Branch received new heating and cooling units and adjustable shelving thanks to the Stark Family Fund through the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area. We currently have an application into the Commonwell LEAF fund to add an active play area at the Wellington Branch, inspired by the success of the room in Picton. If you are able to take a moment to leave a comment indicating your support of our project, please visit peclibrary.org/leaf

These are just a few of the exciting things happening at the library. Drop into any branch Ameliasburgh, Bloomfield, Consecon, Milford, Picton, or Wellington, and learn more.