Not just for reading
Public libraries are emerging as community hubs
Public libraries are dynamic, versatile community hubs.
They provide people of all ages, beliefs, cultural and financial backgrounds with the tools they need for lifelong learning. In my last article I explored the many ways that you can use the Cape Breton Regional Library without stepping into the physical library building. In this article, I’d like to invite you to visit a public library to experience the wonderful things that are happening there.
On any given day, at any of our 12 branch libraries or two bookmobiles in CBRM and Victoria County, we serve community members of all ages, from babies and toddlers to seniors, and everyone in between. Our libraries are vibrant, engaging places to be, where we work to meet the interests and information needs of a large, diverse community.
As key municipal infrastructure, libraries are focal points in community education, lifelong learning, and help to build vibrant, livable communities. Moms and babies come together and forge friendships, seniors develop shared experiences in book clubs, teens gather to play games, adults learn about new technologies, and people meet and mingle with other members of their community. In the cold winter months, homeless people have a warm place to linger and relax.
Public libraries, as community hubs, have an important role to play in our municipalities, by addressing social isolation, bringing together people from every section of the community, and being a safe place where everyone is welcome. They can sometimes be noisy. They can be fun. You can find many members of our community there, from the very young to elderly seniors.
As vibrant community hubs, libraries provide a space where residents study, research, attend programs, workshops and events, and simply enjoy gathering and connecting with one another. Last year, across the region, the CBRL offered almost 3,000 programs that more than 26,000 people attended.
Events at the library include both activities offered by the library, and programs offered in partnership with local groups and organizations. There is something for every age group, including sessions like Babies and Books, Toddler Time, Lego Club, Board Game Nights, Crafters Drop-Ins, movie nights in Baddeck, and many more.
CBRL is fortunate to partner with organizations in the community to broaden the events that we can offer to the community. Every fall we have great music offered through a partnership with Celtic Colours. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, the Cape Breton Naturalist Society holds monthly Natural History talks at the McConnell Library. Programs are offered at the Library by the Family Place Resource Centre. The library offers great storytelling events as part of the Isle of Story Festival.
There have been excellent singer-storyteller events in partnership with CBU’s Centre for Sound Communities. Many individuals from the community volunteer to share their interests or knowledge with others at the library. These are just a handful of the partnerships and connections that enrich the programs the library offers to the community. And all the events are free of charge, making these accessible to everyone in the community.
Libraries in the 21st century are true community hubs – a trusted, welcoming space where people can access information, support, and the opportunity to try something new. The way in which people use libraries has changed significantly over the years. People now look for programs for all ages when they come to the library. Over the past 10 years, the library has more than tripled its number of programs and the attendance at these programs. The library’s role in this area will continue to expand. Visit www.cbrl.ca to see the wealth of programs offered. We’d like to invite you to visit a library in our region to see what is happening in your community.