The Moose Jaw Public Library returned to near pre-pandemic normalcy in 2022, with in-person attendance numbers and material circulation increasing by double-digit percentages.
The library’s annual report shows that there were 65 kids’ programs held last year with 6,790 attendees, while there were 103 story-time gatherings with 1,323 attendees.
In comparison, in 2021, 56 kids’ programs attracted 4,561 attendees and 51 story-time gatherings attracted 1,009 attendees.
Also, there were 107 adult programs with 971 attendees, compared to 98 adult programs and 1,007 attendees in 2021.
There were 15,556 active cardholders last year compared to 14,946 — a five-per-cent jump — in 2021. Furthermore, 118,834 people visited the library last year, compared to 64,320 — an 84.75-per-cent increase — in 2021.
Library staff answered 19,383 reference questions last year versus 21,421 inquiries in 2021. Meanwhile, the library’s social media posts reached 134,825 people.
The total circulation of digital and physical materials last year reached 301,999 items, compared to 260,886 — a 15.75-per-cent jump — in 2021. The library’s collection is valued at $3.5 million.
Jaimie Atkins, chairwoman of the library board, and head librarian Gwen Fisher presented the organization’s annual report during the recent city council meeting. They also presented the library’s 2023-25 strategic plan.
A busy year
“… 2022 was a busy year at the library,” Atkins said.
The library created a strategic plan while it worked to enhance its programming for all ages to give residents equal access to lifelong opportunities, she continued.
After several years of limited building access, the organization returned to its regular series of programs, such as children’s story time, educational activities for adults, knitting, technology instruction, film nights and card games.
New activities included Dungeons and Dragons gatherings, craft-making, and daycare-dedicated story times.
Special events
Some special events the library held included:
- Virtual readings for Aboriginal Storytelling Month
- The launch of the summer reading club book
- A book launch with author Robert Currie, which attracted 122 residents
- A children’s and youth Halloween party that attracted 200 people
- The Touch-a-Truck event, with all proceeds supporting literacy groups
- A book club meeting with Lisa Bird Wilson
- A truth and reconciliation conversation
- Outreach activities with the city’s parks program and retirement homes
Meanwhile, other accomplishments included:
- The library was a pilot site for the provincial library’s dyslexia-friendly collection that featured books published in different fonts and colours
- Former children’s librarian Tina Dolcetti contributed an article about the library’s diverse book collection to the American Library Association for Library Service to Children
- The venue hosted an event for World Breastfeeding Week
- The library hosted Moose Jaw Family Services’ rapid access counselling for one-time emergency support
- Staff took training about trauma-informed care, homelessness and mental health first aid
“As many in this community are aware, there are growing social issues in our community that are becoming more visible on a daily basis,” said Atkins. “We have noticed an increase in the number of people needing a warm place to rest in the winter and a cool place to be in the summer.
“The library is a committed partner in navigating the opportunities that (lie) ahead of us in creating a safer and more welcoming community for all.”
Atkins thanked city administration for providing a commissionaire at the library in the evenings and on the weekends. She added that the organization has seen “some very horrible things” the past year and staff have been stretched to respond.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 8.
