Here at Airdrie Public Library (APL), we see people everyday borrowing books, music, movies, digital devices or who come to read newspapers and magazines and to use computers and Wi-Fi.
In November, almost 18,000 people visited the library, 13,700 items were borrowed, and 7,700 items were downloaded to devices from the comfort of people’s homes.
Some of these borrowed items, like tablets or gaming devices, and resources such as Consumer Report and Creativebug would cost patrons hundreds of dollars to purchase or subscribe to.
However, with your free library card you have access to these and much more.
Of course, nothing is truly free, so remember that this life-changing resource called a library is courtesy of various levels of government and from the generous donations of public and corporate doners.
Still, the question must be asked, how much does a library save its users?
Well, APL has a new resource under the Library Services tab on our website called the Library Value Calculator.
The calculator is simple to use and gives the average cost of items and services.
For instance, if you borrowed six books and downloaded six eBooks and accessed six different online eResources, you will have saved $366 off the purchase of these items.
If you’re one of the many parents who regularly borrow 100 or more books for their children each month, you would have saved $1,800.
If you came to the library and used one of our many computers for three hours, you would have saved $54 off the cost of your own Wi-Fi and computer.
If you booked one hour in one of our two rooms for your knitting club, you would have saved $40.50 off an average room rental.
If you attended one children’s program, typically six sessions, you would have saved $90.
We could go on, but it’s clear, a library card has serious value.
For more information on your library, visit www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca
