The Province has proclaimed October as Library Month – it’s a great time to celebrate literacy and check out your local library to see how it’s evolving to support your community today.

Libraries help British Columbians from all walks of life access the services and programs they need to be successful in our changing world. More than just books on shelves, B.C. libraries are keeping up with evolving technologies and adapting to the needs of people today and in the future.

Here’s how you can use your library to get connected to your community and the world:

• You can visit from anywhere. Access e-books, digital newspapers, research databases and find a program or event to attend all from your library’s website.
• They’re busier than ever before. Total library visits in person and online have more than doubled since 2004, and 38.6% of British Columbians have an active library card.
• They have a lot to offer! Libraries circulated over 53 million items last year, including e-readers, story-kits and book club sets.
• Need to access a computer? Go use one at your library! Computer workstations in public libraries were used 4.1 million times last year. That’s 2.4 million more times than in 2004.
• Get involved in your community by joining a conversation circle, study group or summer reading club. In 2015 British Columbians attended library programs 1.6 million times and a record-high 66,000 programs were offered.
• They get you connected. British Columbians used libraries’ free Wi-Fi services 4.5 million times in 2015. That’s an increase of 42% from the year before.
• You don’t have to be a bookworm. Today’s libraries house collections of DVDs, video games, comic books, CDs, maps and sometimes even musical instruments.
• Get tech-savvy. You can learn a lot about technology and computers at your library. Many libraries offer courses on basic computer skills, and some even have coding and robotics camps.
• On the hunt for a job? Many libraries offer resume building workshops and have printers for public use. 

As part of Library Month, the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians Association is hosting the 10th anniversary of the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) challenge. On Oct. 24, 2016, all British Columbians are invited to drop everything, put down their work and turn off computer screens so they can read a book, magazine or newspaper for 20 minutes.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“Libraries are the key to building communities of lifelong learners and earners. They are supporting B.C. communities with fantastic programs and services for everyone – children, adults, life-long residents and newcomers. I urge every British Columbian to go out and find what their local library has to offer this Library Month.”

Surinder Bhogal, chief librarian, Surrey Libraries –

“Digital literacy is vital to success in today’s society and workforce, and our libraries play an important role. In addition to providing access to free computers and Wi-Fi, we provide many programs to improve digital literacy. We offer services such as helping people with resumes, downloading eBooks, or learning basic computer skills. Our libraries also offer programs that one may not expect to find in a public library, such as coding clubs, hackathons and Minecraft for kids. We have Curiosity Corners – iPads loaded with age-appropriate apps to encourage children’s learning. Our libraries are much more than books – they are vibrant community hubs that connect people to lifelong learning, information and ideas.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia’s first public library opened in 1891.
• Since then, they have served as community hubs providing access to information, programs and services that support literacy for B.C. residents.
• Today, there are 71 public library systems in B.C. with 247 library service locations serving more than 360 communities.

Learn More:

To learn more about libraries in B.C.: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/public-libraries