Public Library Visits Jump 20 Per Cent

Nova Scotia's public libraries will reflect on a banner year as they celebrate Public Library Week 2004 from October 18 to 24.

The province's public library system saw a 20 per cent increase in visits in 2003-04 and a 10 per cent increase in online use, according to the latest annual report.

"Nova Scotians are voting for their libraries with their feet," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Numbers like these say there is a great need for library services. I congratulate everyone in the system for doing a great job of providing those services.

"If you haven't checked out your local library, this is the week to do it."

Libraries across the province will be marking Public Library Week with special events such as a Read-to-Me Jamborees for kids under two, sleep-overs, readings by authors, and more.

The theme this year is "Check us out."

Elizabeth Armstrong, the provincial librarian, attributed the increase library use to several factors.

"New and improved libraries in some communities, extending open hours, and excellent customer service all contributed to the increased number of visits," said Ms. Armstrong. "But the biggest reason is the excellent staff and range of services that public libraries offer."

The public library system in Nova Scotia is administered by the Department of Education.

The department also contributed $10.3 million to the public library system's $27 million in revenues last year. That is increasing to $11.3 million this year.

Funding for the public library system is shared among the province, the municipalities and the library boards.

Nine library boards operate 77 branches and seven mobile libraries.

In 2003-04 they served 5.8 million visitors, circulated 6.8 million items, answered 605,423 information requests and provided 504,205 hours of public computer time.