Even in today's digital world, it's clear that libraries are more popular than ever, according to the city's director of Citizen Services.

Last year, an estimated 72 million visits were recorded at libraries throughout the province, up from the previous year's number of about 69 million visits. There are about 1,100 library branches throughout Ontario. In Sudbury, Ron Henderson said about one million visits were recorded across the 13 library branches in Greater Sudbury.

One of the biggest challenges libraries face in the digital age is to have an adequate collection across the 13 branches that is both print (French and English) and digital format, Henderson said.

“There is still a lion's share of our patrons who want to read a book in print format, but there's a growing segment of our population that has e-book readers,” he said. “Our collection budget hasn't increased, but we still need to find two different formats, and it's a challenge to put an efficient and interesting collection together to meet the needs of all of our patrons – it's a challenge facing libraries clear across the province.”

The idea of e-books is still in its infancy right now, and the Greater Sudbury Public Library would have several thousand titles in its holdings, but popular e-books are difficult to get because of the demand and limited supply, Henderson said.

Outside of reading, libraries offer a number of other technology-related services such as free Internet access and free wi-fi.

In Sudbury, the libraries operate under a $5-million budget. On Feb. 17, the province doled out more than $403,000 to the Greater Sudbury Public Library through its Public Library Operating Grand and Pay Equity programs. These funds will make up about eight per cent of the budget for the libraries.

Virtually every library branch in the province provides access to electronic information through the Internet, and this investment supports the government’s focus on providing Ontarians with equal access to information, reliable services and access to modern technologies, Sudbury Liberal MPP Rick Bartolucci said at a press conference to announce the funds.

“By funding Sudbury’s public libraries, the government is showing its commitment to investing in people and helping them succeed,” said Bartolucci.

Building a strong library system will have a profound effect on the community as a whole, Bartolucci said. It will provide residents the opportunity to visit a place of knowledge, where they can explore and prepare themselves for the world of the future.

The library plays a critical role in ensuring lifelong learning takes place in a positive, proactive way, and these funds will help the library fulfil its mission to “inspire imagination, creativity and innovation in the pursuit of knowledge,” Bartolucci added.

“It's great to see the province recognizing the value of libraries across Ontario, particularly in these uncertain economic times, and the funding received today will go a long way in helping us establish the necessary collection we need for the residents of Greater Sudbury,” Henderson said.

Meanwhile, construction of the new $5-million library in the city's South End is about half complete, Henderson said. The city is planning to have it open by summer.

Posted by Arron Pickard