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Parkland libraries raising awareness of digital resources

Bringing attention to digital resources offered in Central Alberta libraries is the aim of an awareness campaign being undertaken

Bringing attention to digital resources offered in Central Alberta libraries is the aim of an awareness campaign being undertaken by Parkland Regional Library (PRL) throughout the month of October.

The Parkland network, which includes libraries in Sylvan Lake, Eckville and other municipalities throughout the region, will increase its advertising presence to inform people who may be “unaware of what is available from today’s public library,” according to PRL director Ron Sheppard.

“Our regional collection of digital content is growing fast — our member libraries are enthusiastic about contributing to our new eBook service 3M Cloud Library,” he said in a release. “There are multiple services that bring popular digital content to library patrons who don’t have the time to walk through the doors of the library. Patrons can borrow movies, TV shows, music, books and audiobooks from the comfort of their own living room. All they need is a library card.”

Offering a diverse range of content and more flexibility in borrowing has proved nothing but positive at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library, according to programmer Corrie Brown.

“I think we’ve had more people visit libraries with the introduction of technology, just because they still need help with it,” she said. “There are so many things that the library can do with that new technology, whether it’s free books or free magazines.”

The library’s popularity seems to have grown along with the town’s population, she added. Just last month, more than 750 people visited it over three days for a celebration of Alberta Culture Days.

PRL’s campaign takes place during Canadian Library Month, which the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library will mark with a celebration on Oct. 25. Held in an open house format, it will also allow patrons the chance to explore its newly renovated premises between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.