As someone looking out from inside Airdrie Public Library (APL), it has been interesting to see how the library has not only remained relevant but become even more important to the community over the last 15 months.
An open library facility is ideal. You simply cannot replace the joy of a visit to the library or the thrill of hauling your borrowed items home with the experience of connecting to the library through a digital device.
However, the various shutdowns over the last 17 months made it clear the library’s online presence was also an invaluable partner in our goal of promoting literacy. An unprecedented number of APL’s patrons took advantage of our free eResources throughout the pandemic, and an even more impressive number embraced our shift to online and virtual programming.
We really didn’t do anything new; we just did what we've always done, but differently, while also informing patrons of the vast resources that already existed online through their library card.
In the building or online, offering patrons literacy and learning opportunities, and promoting community connections in ways that reflect the reality of their lives is what libraries do.
In this digital age, you can borrow books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, and even comic books without stepping through the door of your library. However, you can also borrow the physical versions of these same items and much, much more from the library’s brick and mortar space.
It’s a wonderful pairing of both worlds – the physical and the digital – and all under one roof, so to speak.
With your library card, Internet access and a digital device, you can place holds on your next read, access programming and a host of online resources from anywhere in the world. With that same card, you can stop by the library facility, browse the shelves, and borrow from our huge and constantly growing physical collection.
From our vantage point, it really is the best of both worlds.
For more information on APL’s eResources or any of the library’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or drop by the library.
