This week is Ontario Public Library Week.
Natalie Barrington, the CEO and head librarian of the Madawaska Valley Public Library, said they hosted an open house this past weekend.
She said the library invites the community to come and learn about the variety of services the library offers this week.
“This year, the theme is ‘libraries for life.’ So, we really want people to appreciate how much libraries give back to their communities…Libraries are more than just a place to get books. They are a place to come and hang out with friends, they’re a place to come and get help or resources with anything you might need help with,” she said.
The library’s statistics show that it saw 11,527 visits in 2024.
It had 15,206 checkouts, along with 533 items borrowed and 311 lent through Interlibrary loan. The library also saw 1,184 public computer uses.
Barrington said the library offers free access to their computers and printers. They carry resources like Ontario Park passes and museum passes. She said they offer regular programming with organizations like Service Canada.
This weekend is also the library’s Halloween Hunt.
Scavenger hunt maps are available at the library or Northern Credit Union, and once the clues have been solved, they can be returned for a goodie bag.
The hunt runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the library invites attendees to wear their costumes.
