Last year was a busy one at Guelph Public Library, which saw large increases in programming and use compared to 2021, during the height of the pandemic.
“People are bringing their kids into the library again, whereas those young kids were at home for several years,” said CEO Steven Kraft, adding the library is a “great, safe place” for youngsters to develop or re-establish their comfort level with being in public spaces in the wake of lockdowns and physical distancing measures.
“Programming has certainly jumped and circulation has jumped too. The circulation is actually higher than pre-pandemic levels.”
As detailed in an annual summary, the largest jump GPL saw last year was in the number of program attendees, with 27,223 – a 108.5 per cent rise. That aligns with 78.9 per cent more programming provided at the library’s numerous locations, with 1,138 total…
