Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Public Library had a banner year in 2007, with more people visiting the library and checking items out than in previous years.

 

In its annual report, presented to Prince George City Council, the library says the number of people who visited the library in 2007 increased for a total of 478,479 people walking through the library’s doors. That’s about 1,475 people a day.

 

 The number of items checked out of the library in 2007 increased by more than 73,000 items.

 

In addition to the increases in both circulation and the number of library users, there were also more programs offered to people of all ages and attendance in these programs was up. Programs such as basic email and Internet classes and children’s story times are always popular and the library continues to offer a wide variety of classes for all ages.

 

59,218 people hold a Prince George Public Library card, that’s up by 1200 over 2006.

Despite the increased activity, the library’s annual report indicates there are still challenges ahead.

Those challenges include,

• Fine tuning new automation system

• Continual staff training

• New provincial strategic plan for libraries

• Consultation on changes to the Library Act

• Infrastructure improvements (renovation) and sustainability

• Fund raising and fund development to improve facilities and furnishings