The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) continued to be a vital resource for residents in 2023, whether through in-person services, online resources or collaborations with other groups around the city.
The library’s annual report shows that 287 children’s programs occurred last year with 7,259 attendees, whereas in 2022, 65 children’s programs occurred with 6,790 attendees.
Also, 311 programs for adults and all other ages had 2,240 attendees, compared to 107 adult/all-ages programs and 971 attendees in 2022.
There were 15,989 active cardholders last year, an increase from 15,556 — a 2.8-per-cent jump — in 2022. Furthermore, 161,501 people visited the library last year, compared to 118,834 guests — a 35.9-per-cent increase — in 2022.
Library staff answered 23,639 reference questions last year versus 19,383 inquiries in 2022, a jump of 21.9 per cent. Meanwhile, the library’s social media posts reached 165,122 people compared to 134,825 people in 2022 — a jump of 22.5 per cent.
The total circulation of digital and physical materials last year was 327,196 items, compared to 301,999 — a jump of 8.3 per cent — in 2022.
The library’s collection is valued at $3.5 million.
Also, the library logged 11,083 internet sessions last year — a year-over-year increase of 14 per cent — while through its outreach service, it delivered 8,896 items to patrons unable to visit the library.
Jaimie Atkins, chairwoman of the library board, presented the organization’s annual report during the June 24 city council meeting.
“Last year, the library was a hub of inspiration and a community treasure that enriched the lives of residents in countless ways,” Atkins said. “From early literacy programs for children to resources for seniors, the library (met) the diverse needs of our community.”
Accomplishments
Some events and accomplishments that occurred in 2023 included:
- The Regina Symphony Orchestra performed a free concert for 150 people
- The inaugural Books and Bikes occurred, with 67 people reading on the front lawn, decorating their bikes and having a parade
- An all-ages chess club launched
- The library used a Canadian Space Agency Grant to create a space-focused summer reading club, visit with 572 children during the city’s summer parks program, and purchase laptops, telescopes and equipment to increase its STEAM offerings
- David Sauchyn with the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative spoke about how farmers can remain resilient during droughts and other climate issues
- The library supported the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association’s powwow teachings
- As part of Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Storytelling Month, the library hosted two workshops and one reading with Tenille Campbell, poet and photographer
- The library completed its first strategic plan up to 2025
- The organization developed a new logo, new brand and new website to increase customer satisfaction, enhance communications and improve its capacity to “tell a compelling story”
- The library conducted an inventory of its items for the first time since 2012
- The library downsized a large reference collection to showcase artwork from the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) after signing a new partnership
- The Friends of the Library helped replace the sound and projection equipment in the art gallery/library theatre
- A community collaboration event focused on addressing “systemic racism”
Meanwhile, the statistics reinforce how well the library fostered a love of reading in the community, while one reason there was a one-per-cent decrease in visitors compared to 2019 is an increase in digital checkouts, Atkins said. Yet, staff still work to address online issues even with a “healthy digital circulation count.”
“The library is not merely a collection of books but a dynamic and inclusive space fostering learning, exploration and cultural engagement,” she added. “It contributes to the vibrancy and well-being of our community by serving as a knowledge hub, a community gathering placing, a lifelong learning centre and an access point to technology.”
Coun. Heather Eby enjoyed the statistics and was thrilled with the library’s programming because it was never a status-quo environment. Instead, staff regularly develop ways to reach new people and meet their needs.
Furthermore, Eby also thought that it was “incredible” that the library delivered materials to almost 9,000 people who were unable to visit the venue.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, July 8.
