Lethbridge Public Library

4 Looking Back at 100 Years of Library Service Allan Quinton, Board Chair Terra Plato, Library CEO s we look back on a century of library service in our community, the old saying rings true: "the more things change the more they stay the same". Plenty has changed in library service over the last 100 years, no doubt, largely seen in the way people access information today – through Internet and downloadable books, databases and streaming services, via Wi-Fi and mobile devices, and connecting to resources through a variety of programs. However, 100 years ago when the pioneers of literacy in Lethbridge envisioned the Lethbridge Public Library, they imagined it to be a place for people, rather than just a place for books. That is true today, more than ever, and is core to the mission of Lethbridge Public Library. Public libraries are a reflection of their community; one of the last public spaces where you will see everyone in the community represented. This is a valuable role for libraries to play as it is one of the few places that a wide cross- section of people come together, and helps us to learn about a diversity of viewpoints as well as build empathy and understanding of those different from ourselves. In our 100 th year, we were able to celebrate our diversity with our community through a number of special programs, events, and first-time service offerings. We brought in a variety of exciting authors and performers whose events were made available to everyone in the community. These included Fred Penner, Elizabeth Smart, "Lemony Snicket", Eden Robinson, and Gwynne Dyer. Inaugural events – such as the Big Truck Petting Zoo, a traditional Blackfoot Social and Round Dance, and our first Writer in Residence – demonstrated how the Library connects people to community in a variety of ways. We reminisced on 100 years of history through a collaborative exhibit with the Galt Museum & Archives in "100 years of Connecting Community", and through the Letters for Lethbridge "time capsule" project. We were also recognized for our work in Truth and Reconciliation by the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee, and named a Reconciliation Champion. It was a great year of celebration. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, and thank you to all of the customers, staff, and Lethbridge City Council who made it possible for us to celebrate this milestone in our community, and will make it possible for us to continue into the next 100 years. All of the experiences the Library provided to residents of Lethbridge and area in 2019 were about Connecting YOU, and that continues to be our goal moving forward into 2020. Connecting YOU to experiences; connecting YOU to information and ideas; connecting YOU to community; and connecting YOU to each other.

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