Lambton County Library has planned several contests and events to take place throughout the third week of October to mark Ontario Public Library Week.
The provincewide initiative, from October 16 to October 20, raises awareness about the value libraries add to communities.
Library Services Manager Darlene Coke said the services offered at local libraries has expanded over the years. During the pandemic, they noticed an increase in the use of electronic services and now with the return of in-person programming, people seem eager to participate.
"Once we were able to transition from virtual to in-person programs, there has been renewed interest in our programs - particularly our summer reading program when kids are out of school," Coke said. "We're looking forward to continuing to introduce ourselves to the community and to reacquaint people with the library."
As an incentive for residents to get involved, a few contests are being held during Ontario Public Library Week.
By checking out a physical item from a local branch or by completing library-related activities through the Beanstack app, participants will be entered into a draw. Depending on the age, prizes include a Lego kit, an Amazon gift card, or a Tourism Sarnia-Lambton gift card.
Current library cardholders who refer a friend or family member to sign-up for a library card will also have a chance to win a $50 Tourism Sarnia-Lambton gift card and a Lambton County Library prize pack.
Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, studies, or owns property in Lambton County, or lives in a First Nations community.
Throughout the week, local firefighters and county councillors will also stop at select library branches for story times and programs. Events can be found on the library's website.
Coke said with Ontario Public Library Week falling so closely to Fire Prevention Week, it seemed like a good opportunity to invite local firefighters to interact with young readers.
“This year’s theme for Ontario Public Library Week is Libraries for Life, and here at Lambton County Library, we’ve been delivering library services to every age group, during every stage of their life for over 90 years,” said Coke. “We circulated over 900,000 physical and digital items last year which is a strong indicator of the important role libraries serve in helping build, maintain, and grow literacy skills to every age group.”
Lambton County Library has 25 locations and a mobile library service.
