Education
July 30, 2012

New Corner Brook Public Library Officially Opened

An enhanced collection of library materials, a separate children’s section, a designated room for the delivery of library programs, and computer work stations which are adaptable for persons with disabilities, are among the features of the new Corner Brook Public Library, which was officially opened today (Monday, July 30) by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education.

Minister Jackman was joined for the opening by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East; Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West; and, Calvin Taylor, Chair of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board (PILRB).

“Our government recognizes the important role libraries play in terms of supporting literacy, life-long learning, and the personal and social development of citizens of all ages,” said Minister Jackman. “Newfoundland and Labrador has 96 public libraries – more public libraries per capita than any other province in Canada. In fact, 86 per cent of the population has direct access to a library within 24 kilometres of their home, and all can avail of outreach services such as Books By Mail and new e-library services.”

The Corner Brook Public Library is housed in the new City Hall Complex, built with a $15 million contribution from the Provincial Government and $7 million from the City of Corner Brook.

“With 11,000 square feet of space, the library offers new and expanded services to groups and individuals throughout the region,” said Minister Marshall. “There is a more comprehensive library collection, with ample lounging areas to encourage people to spend time studying, doing research or just reading. There is also a study room that can be booked out to individuals or groups; a separate children’s section with materials and activities which will help support the provincial library board’s new early literacy initiatives, new computer work stations, and more. This is clearly a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the needs of the region for many years to come.”

The Corner Brook Library is one of the busiest in the province with 7,797 registered users in 2011-12 and over 70,000 items borrowed. The library offered 427 programs with 1,682 participants last year, and a total of 9,592 half hour sessions were logged on its public computers.

“The opening of the new Corner Brook Public Library provides the residents of Corner Brook and surrounding area with a modern facility designed to provide outstanding and innovative library services,” said MHA Granter. “I would encourage everyone to become active members of the library and to avail of the many enhanced services it has to offer.”

The Corner Brook Public Library is part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries network, which is operated by the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board. As a regional resource library, the facility supports the 31 public libraries located in the Western region of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The provincial board is extremely pleased to participate in the opening of a new library in Corner Brook,” said Mr. Taylor. “Traditionally, library facilities were viewed as buildings housing a collection of books, but they have evolved into much more. They are now meeting places, training centres, public computer access points and locations for programs for everyone from the young to the elderly. This new, spacious and modern facility will certainly help enhance and expand library services in the region.”

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has increased funding to public libraries from $8.2 million to $11.1 million – a 35 per cent increase. In addition, about $1.5 million has been provided to target specific infrastructure projects – such as improvements to rural libraries in Harbour Grace, Deer Lake, Labrador City, Grand Bank, and Stephenville.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2012 07 30                                2:20 p.m.