eBooks may be growing in usage but physical libraries will still serve an important function in communities as technology advances over time. According to Vancouver Island Regional Library, its members download more than 600 eBooks every day but of those tech savvy members, 88 per cent are still hooked on printed books as well. For that reason and more, libraries still serve a vital purpose.
Libraries are not just a place of refuge to quietly browse collections anymore, but are becoming a technological gateway and community hub for many as well, often having meeting rooms and fireside areas where members can sit and read. I remember a few summer's ago, stopping in at the Parksville Library one afternoon and there were a few dads there with their kids and they were in the center of the children's area building something with lego. North Cowichan is providing two home energy monitors for take out at its Cowichan branch.
A membership to VIRL gets you access to close to a million items as well as free Wi-Fi at every VIRL branch...you're able to search online databases for information...and you're able to request things from other branches, and you can download music and watch movies and documentaries.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are a variety of free programs from story hour for toddlers, to newcomer settlement services and everything in between. You can learn to knit, go to a movie screening, learn puppet making, chess, genealogy, learn Spanish, open mic readings, I could go on and on. Membership increased upwards of 14 per cent in 2013. The mission of VIRL is to enrich the lives of communities through the universal access to knowledge, lifelong learning and literacy by developing strong branches that are vital community hubs for knowledge, inspiration, innovation and renewal.
Chemainus is slated for a new library -- come out an tell VIRL what you would like to see there. Wednesday June 10th, from 6:30 to 8:30 at St. Michael's Anglican Church. Pass the word. See you there~!
Libraries are not just a place of refuge to quietly browse collections anymore, but are becoming a technological gateway and community hub for many as well, often having meeting rooms and fireside areas where members can sit and read. I remember a few summer's ago, stopping in at the Parksville Library one afternoon and there were a few dads there with their kids and they were in the center of the children's area building something with lego. North Cowichan is providing two home energy monitors for take out at its Cowichan branch.
A membership to VIRL gets you access to close to a million items as well as free Wi-Fi at every VIRL branch...you're able to search online databases for information...and you're able to request things from other branches, and you can download music and watch movies and documentaries.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are a variety of free programs from story hour for toddlers, to newcomer settlement services and everything in between. You can learn to knit, go to a movie screening, learn puppet making, chess, genealogy, learn Spanish, open mic readings, I could go on and on. Membership increased upwards of 14 per cent in 2013. The mission of VIRL is to enrich the lives of communities through the universal access to knowledge, lifelong learning and literacy by developing strong branches that are vital community hubs for knowledge, inspiration, innovation and renewal.
Chemainus is slated for a new library -- come out an tell VIRL what you would like to see there. Wednesday June 10th, from 6:30 to 8:30 at St. Michael's Anglican Church. Pass the word. See you there~!
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