The past year of 2018 witnessed many new developments at the Crowsnest Community Library. Several new programs were initiated such as “escape rooms” events that the Amazing Teen Race participants took part in that require the solving of puzzles as a challenge or requirement to leave or escape from a room; and board games held at the library that are also available for library loan. There were also several new capital investments at the library with the purchase of 3 new computers to replace older aging computers, and a new projector. New linoleum was installed in the main level bathrooms; new toilets for the washrooms in the basement; and a new water fountain (drinking station) on the main level. These capital improvements were made possible since the Library was under-budget for 2018. The Library was also able to purchase new tables and chairs for the common area in the lower level made possible with a grant from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge & Southwestern Alberta ($1000) and a donation of $500 from the local non-profit, Friends of the Library. The Board of the Crowsnest Community Library also completed a new Plan of Service that will take effect for the 2019-2024 term.

Looking ahead to this year of 2019, the Library hopes to replace the carpeting both upstairs and on the lower level with a new capital investment grant from the Crowsnest Municipality in the sum of $22, 000. 2019 is the first year that the municipality has provided the Library with a capital grant in addition to the grant for operating expenses ($125, 000). The operating budget will remain the same for 2019 as it was in 2018. With this new capital investment the Library will be able to renovate and improve the Library building with much needed renovations. It should be noted that the Monday closure at the Library implemented in February of 2018 has reduced the Library’s hours of opening by approximately 9 hours per week on average. These reduced hours will remain in effect for the 2019 budget year.

Librarian Diane DeLauw also noted that the Library will apply again this year for a Canada Summer Jobs grant, and that this program has recently been modified by the federal government. New eligibility requirements will allow anyone from the age of 15-30 years of age to apply for summer employment, and is therefore no longer restricted to only student employment. The attestation agreement has also been changed for 2019, with some previously controversial provisions regarding reproductive rights being eliminated.

The following are some interesting statistics for 2017-2018:

Library Membership has increased from 1803 (2017) to 2164 (2018)

Library hours decreased from 2578 (2017) to 2261 (2018)

Daily Walk-in clients decreased slightly from 19,150 (2017) to 18,616 (2018)

Computer sessions also decreased marginally from 3483 (2017) to 2890 (2018)

Computer hours were also somewhat lower from 7405 (2017) to 6355 (2018)

The lower numbers for walk-ins, and the usage of the public computers at the library are most likely due to the fewer hours of opening.

For more information, members of the public are encouraged and invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass Library Board that will be held on:

Tuesday January 22nd 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Crowsnest Community Library
auditorium.

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