For the Love of Libraries
This week’s column was written by Invermere library assistant Dallas Husar. Visit the website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.
Calling all golfers; it’s time to tee up in support of the Invermere library.
Mark your calendars, book the afternoon off and practise your swing. On the afternoon of June 10, Copper Point is generously donating half of all green fees from the Ridge Course towards our Bookmobile project. This is such an incredible opportunity for this project and we are truly grateful to Copper Point for supporting us.
What is a bookmobile, you ask? A bookmobile is a vehicle that allows a library to bring books and other library services to patrons remotely rather than having them come into the physical building. Many people think only of books when they think of libraries, but the truth is, libraries offer many services people may not have access to otherwise from WiFi, basic tech help, computer access, simple tax filing, and community connection, among others. The bookmobile will allow citizens of the valley access to most of our services that may otherwise be out of reach simply due to a lack of transportation or mobility.
Why do we need a bookmobile to begin with? Both Invermere and Radium libraries’ catchment area is very large, serving the Columbia Valley from Canal Flats all the way to Spillimacheen. In a survey we put out earlier this year, 177 residents took the time to answer our queries. Thirty-five per cent of respondents said they currently face transportation barriers which prevent them from accessing the library and its services. In addition, 65 per cent of people said that bookmobile services would increase their use of the library. We know from the 2021 Columbia Valley Vital Signs Report that the median age in the valley is 51. Setting up the bookmobile now will allow us to better serve the community as our population grows and ages.
How will the bookmobile operate? The idea will be to have bi-weekly service stops to the different communities, parking at a set location and time. Locations will include places like Columbia Gardens and the Canal Flats Civic Centre. We will also be able to provide home visits for those in need as well. We are actively working with the Radium Public Library to find the best avenues for partnership on this project, after all, what do libraries do best if not share?
For more information on the Bookmobile project please visit our website (inveremere.bc.libraries.coop) or come down to the library to chat with us about it.
In the meantime, round up your friends, book club buddies, golf partners or co-workers and book your tee time on the Ridge at Copper Point for the afternoon of June 10. We appreciate everyone’s support, especially the folks at Copper Point.
We would also like to thank everyone who turned out for the LEGO Expo in April. The amazing chair of the library board, Heather Walker, came up with the brilliant idea to gather LEGO enthusiasts to display their LEGO collections in the community centre.
With the help of many volunteers, the Friends of the Library, the District of Invermere and the exhibitors, LEGO lovers young and old were treated to incredible displays from ferris wheels, trains, rollercoasters, entire cities, and even Hogwarts. The event was so well received that over 400 people attended and roughly $2,200 was raised for the Bookmobile project. We were blown away with what a successful event the day was and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
