The theme for Canadian Library Week 2005 – Lifelong Libraries – Discover Us! – celebrates libraries as a place for people of all ages from babies to grandparents. Public libraries across the province will celebrate Canadian Library Week, October 17-24, 2005.

The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, invites Islanders to visit their local public library. “As one of the most popular services offered by government, our public libraries are a vital part of communities throughout the province. Library Week is an excellent opportunity to visit your local library and discover the many learning and entertainment resources available for people of all ages.”

Library Week will kick off on Monday, October 17 at 10 a.m. with a Children’s Celebrity Reading in the Children’s Loft of the Confederation Centre Public Library. The public is invited to attend the reading which will feature readings by Queen Charlotte, a fireman, a member of the PEI Rocket Hockey Club, a police officer, and the Minister responsible for Libraries, the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen.

In towns and villages across the province, library staff is celebrating Library Week with a range of programs and activities. A visit to the library website at www.library.pe.ca will provide details of activities in each of the Island’s 26 public libraries.

“Libraries across the province provide a wide array of materials and services to meet the needs of patrons regardless of their age, interest or level of reading skills,” said Allan Groen, Provincial Librarian. “Library staff is on hand to assist children, parents, grandparents and all individuals interested in accessing books, newspapers, DVDs and a variety of resource materials.”

Throughout Canadian Library Week, borrow material at your local library and enter to win an Indigo gift certificate – One ballot per person checking out items. Receive an extra ballot if you get a library card for the first time and use it on the same day.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PROVINCIAL LIBRARY SERVICES

General Information:

PEI Library Branches – 26

PEI Library cardholders – 54,988

Public computer workstations with Internet access – 115 (approx.)

Annual circulation of materials – 777,605 (1.5 items are checked out every minute)

Library programs offered – 2,117

Program attendance – 26,004 (2004)

Library Services (free of change):

• Borrow books, DVD's, CD's, large print, and literacy books

• Librarian assistance

• Borrow books from other public library branches

• Return materials at any branch

• Courier service

• Public Internet Access

• Infotrac and Abbycat

• Library tours and orientations

• Full federal government materials depository

• Request books from other jurisdictions

• Summer Reading Programs

• Children's Storytimes

• StorySacks

• Summer Literacy Tutoring Program

• Materials for the Blind / CNIB

• Large print delivery service for seniors

• Author/poet readings and book launches

• Community meeting space

• Craft/art display space

• Public education/information sessions

• Computer training

Library Holdings:

Circulating titles – 367,698

CD ROM titles – 297

DVD titles – 951

CD titles – 3,579

Audiobook titles – 1,948

Talking books titles – 521

French language titles – 40,071 (11%)

Newspaper titles – 20 (Confederation Centre Public Library)

Talking books used – 1,220 loans to 150 Talking Book patrons.

Large print titles – 9,815

Circulation of Large Print titles – 36,317 (includes many deliveries to nursing homes)

Partnerships:

• Community partnerships: The library service has a strong partnership with communities where communities supply the facilities and equipment and government supplies staff, books and other materials.

• Volunteers: Friends, groups and other library volunteers provide input regarding library facilities, assist in fundraising to support programming, public relations and advocacy.

• islandlibraries.ca: allows people to access the catalogs and services of the Provincial Library Service, Holland College Library Service and the services of the Robertson Library (UPEI). Via islandlibraries.ca, with one search, users can search the resources of each institution, place a request to borrow an item and post a question that the institutions will attempt to answer.

• Isle Ask: allows people to submit their question at http://islandlibraries.ca/isleask.php; it will be reviewed and answered by trained reference librarians.

• Computers for Schools and Libraries: The Provincial Library Service is guaranteed 10 per cent of the equipment available through this program.

• Public Internet Access: is provided at Branch Libraries in partnership with local Community Access Program Committees. CAP provides ongoing support for these computers.