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Shout out to 'Friends of the Hope Library'

I’m putting on my fortune-teller hat and predicting Big Changes at the library in the near future.
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Deb Ireland

I’m putting on my fortune-teller hat and predicting Big Changes at the library in the near future.

But before I go any further, I’d like to give a big shout-out to our fabulous 'Friends of the Hope Library' for all their hard work at this year’s annual book sale. These dedicated volunteers go above and beyond, hefting heavy boxes, organizing, spending hours to make this event the success that it is.

Funds that are raised at the annual book sale are used for additional local programming and the extras, like the television and the gaming console purchased last year by our Friends group. Despite the uncooperative weather, this year’s book sale was again a big winner. So thank you everyone!

So what’s with the Big Changes? Anyone who’s been here over the last few weeks will no doubt have noticed our classy, yet comfy, new furniture in the adult seating area.  And in the next few weeks we will have blinds on the south-facing windows. And, in April, new seating in the children’s fiction area!

In the greater library picture, our Information Technology people have been working hard on some interesting improvements to the FVRL’s website – to be revealed all in good time. I’ve had a sneak preview and all I can say is that I’m super-excited about the changes.

Also new: some of you might have seen me sporting my recently acquired e-reader lately. And I really like the darn thing. What’s not to like? Hundreds of books in a pocket-book size, light-weight, portable device with thousands of titles available for loan from BC’s Library to Go (just head to our website) - for free!

I doubt books will be going out of style anytime soon though. I have a theory. As long as books are associated with the feeling of comfort and warmth that comes from being read to as a child, books will continue to be loved and read. I suspect the demise of books is generations away. At least.

Books (or no books) theories aside, libraries will be here to stay because we’re actually not just about books, we’re about information. And providing and improving access to information is what we do and it’s what we’ve always done. Here’s just one recent innovation – our SMRT search, which integrates the library’s catalogue with many of our licenced full-text on-line databases and internet search engines.

Have you tried it yet? Seriously easy searching.

And by the time I write the next Bibliotheca, I will be able to introduce you to our new staff member – a librarian who will be planning programming throughout the Upper Fraser Valley. Kristin, Mark and I are looking forward to meeting this person and welcoming them into the library and community.

Like I said: Big Changes!

Staff Pick: Ivan E. Coyote’s new collection of stories, “Missed Her”. Like her other collections, Ivan’s stories are intimate, perceptive, and powerful. She skillfully navigates gender and identity, finding truth in the ordinary. It was a real pleasure meeting her last year when she conducted a writing workshop here at the library. This is her 5th book.

Spring Break at the Library! We have a number of programs this spring for all ages – call your library 604-869-2313 to find out more!