The provincial government has proclaimed October as Library Month so it’s a great time to celebrate literacy and check out your local library to see how it’s evolving to support your community today.

Libraries help British Columbians from all walks of life access the services and programs they need to be successful in our changing world.

More than just books on shelves, B.C. libraries are keeping up with evolving technologies and adapting to the needs of people today and in the future.

Here’s how you can use your library to get connected to your community and the world:

– You can visit from anywhere. Access e-books, digital newspapers, research databases and find a program or event to attend all from your library’s website.

– They’re busier than ever before. Total library visits in person and online have more than doubled since 2004, and 38.6 per cent of British Columbians have an active library card.

– They have a lot to offer. Libraries circulated over 53 million items last year, including e-readers, story-kits and book club sets.

-Need to access a computer? Go use one at your library. Computer workstations in public libraries were used 4.1 million times last year. That’s 2.4 million more times than in 2004.

– They get you connected. British Columbians used libraries’ free Wi-Fi services 4.5 million times in 2015. That’s an increase of 42 per cent from the year before.

– You don’t have to be a bookworm. Today’s libraries house collections of DVDs, video games, comic books, CDs, maps and sometimes even musical instruments.

As part of Library Month, the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians Association is hosting the 10th anniversary of the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) challenge. On Oct. 24, all British Columbians are  invited to drop everything, put down their work and turn off computer screens so they can read a book, magazine or newspaper for 20 minutes.

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education for B.C., said libraries play a very crucial role in communities across this province.

“Libraries are the key to building communities of lifelong learners and earners,” said Bernier. “They are supporting B.C. communities with fantastic programs and services for everyone ”

There are 71 public library systems in B.C. with 247 library service locations serving more than 360 communities.

To learn more, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/public-libraries

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