The past year largely marked a return to normal for the South Central Regional Library.
The library network with branches in Winkler, Morden, Altona, Miami and Manitou of course did face controversy around protests concerning certain content on their shelves, but they otherwise saw library use rebound post-pandemic.
“We’re finally back to our pre-COVID numbers … it’s good to see,” said director of library services Cathy Ching.
She noted there were approximately 280,500 check-outs overall in 2023, an increase of about 9,000 from the previous year.
“A lot of that was due to a tremendously successful summer reading program,” Ching said. “We had about 2,200 kids participating, so that’s a good thing to see as well.
“With all the stuff going on in the past year where people were concerned about what was in our libraries, it didn’t scare people away,” she added. “We’ve had almost 1,200 new members get cards … so people are still coming, and especially our newcomers in our communities are using our libraries.”
Ching wondered if people perhaps were recognizing the importance of supporting their local library.
“I think when it was threatened, it really brought people in, first of all, to see what all the fuss was about and then ensure that things didn’t get removed,” she said.
“What we are finding as well though is that some branches are really benefitting from the newcomer communities,” continued Ching, while noting the Morden branch perhaps has seen some lower numbers particularly related to newcomers now going more to the 500 Stephen Community Centre right next door. “I think it has given newcomers a place to go when it perhaps used to be the library. It’s definitely changed what’s been going on in the Morden branch, but having 500 Stephen is a good thing for the community.”
Ching also highlighted how all of their branch staff have been doing a great job of trying to really boost programming again.
“I think, across the board for all of our branches, we do an amazing job with programming and stuff, but we’ve kind of lost our connection with some of our home school families … we need to set up stuff for them,” she said. “So a direction we might go for is to try to encourage them to come use our libraries as a field trip day of sorts.
“It’s not anything outside the box. It’s more going back to the basics,” Ching continued. “Give them what they maybe use to have … we need to show we have stuff to offer again.
“We’ve had some great programming,” she noted of the past several months. “We had a lot of local authors who are contacting us to do readings, which is great. What a great way to get to know your communities and people to get to know the authors.”
The Winkler branch has also promoted a new astronomy club led by a local resident with a high-quality telescope who has led several sky viewings for the public. Another unique initiative has been the Nerf battles held once a month at the branch.
“I think, just before Christmas, they had 22 people in there, and I think the adults had more fun than the kids,” said Ching.
She also noted how they have added to their diversity of material that can be loaned out, including some 700 puzzles across the five branches.
“We have a huge board game collection. We purchased about 150 new board games, and we bought some locally,” Ching added. “We have the expensive ones that everybody has wanted to try but doesn’t want to put the money out, so you can check out a board game for three weeks.”
Looking ahead, Ching shared that they are beginning to think of plans to mark SCRL’s 60 anniversary in 2025.
“We are going to work throughout the year to start working towards a celebration of some sort for a big event. That’s something we are looking forward to,” she said.
“We are thinking maybe we can have some sort of fundraiser and possibly by ourselves a van or something that we can move books around in,” Ching added. “Right now, when we need to move books, we haul them in our little vehicles and drive back and forth.”
As well, they will partner with Morden Fire and Rescue on the large annual book sale this spring.
“We’re going to have the book sale on the same weekend as the quilt show this year … so we’re looking forward to that as well.”
