Library unveils three-year plan

The Fort Frances Public Library is hoping to get a consultant on board this summer to look into the feasibility of the some of the plans the library board unveiled to council at Monday night’s regular meeting.
“We think we have a good blueprint here. Of course, it depends on funding,” head librarian Margaret Sedgwick told council.
“But we feel it’s a realistic plan,” she added. “It’s a three-year plan. There’s too many changes in the library world to plan any farther ahead than that.”
The comprehensive plan, which took about two months for the board to devise, has five areas of focus—building, staff, technology, programs, and “Friends of the Library.”
Sedgwick noted the main thrust of the plan was to look towards an expanded library, with more room not only for patrons, but also staff and books.
As well, the Children’s Department and public washrooms there are not handicap accessible at this time.
Mayor Glenn Witherspoon asked if there were any immediate plans to expand the library.
“That still needs to be studied,” replied Sedgwick, noting provincial funding allocated to the Memorial Sports Centre here a few months ago could be determining factor.
As far as staffing goes, Sedgwick said more may be hired down the road to accommodate the increasing demand for Internet education.
The library also may be seeing more online reference services, such an electronic encyclopedia and e-books, which in some cases can cost 10 times less than their material counterparts, said Sedgwick.
She noted the library is close to offering a 24-hour Internet “gateway,” by which home computer users can reference the library’s catalogue and see if the book they want is carried by the library, or if it’s available.
The library also recently has branched into several early literacy programs, such as the “Mother Goose” program, thanks to a surge of provincial funding (see related story elsewhere in this edition of the Times).
As well, the library board is going to focus on trying to get more teens reading—and make elementary schools acquaint students with their public library.
And finally, the library will continue to foster its relationship with the “Friends of the Library,” with the group not only fundraising for capital purchases like the new circulation desk and security system, but getting involved with early literacy programs and establishing a book club.
The strategic plan also includes the Fort Frances Public Library’s use survey conducted earlier this year.
Council had few questions for Sedgwick. “With all the computers, has the number of people changed over the years?” asked Coun. Struchan Gilson.
“It’s grown. It’s just brought in a different clientele, like when we brought in the videos,” she replied.
“People come in to use the computers, and then maybe see a book or movie they weren’t even looking for,” added Sedgwick.