The decision to offer free memberships in June has turned out to be a great one for the Grande Prairie Public Library.
Board member Chris Thiessen says they saw memberships go up by more than 1,000Â in that month alone, and they’ve seen an increase throughout the summer.
“So I think that was a good driver. I think also people are becoming more and more aware of the library, its location, and different service that are offered there, so I think more and more people are checking it out and we couldn’t be happier about it.”
Thiessen says it’s a great sign for both the library and the community.
“The library is a place where you can enjoy life-long learning; you don’t have to be a school kid from age five through 18 going to the library. Libraries are for everybody; it’s a place where the who community gathers and social movements happen.”
The free memberships for new patrons, and those who renewed in June, were given away as part of the library’s 75th anniversary celebrations.