Libraries are still relevant

By Abass Wali Mohammad

You might think that the libraries are a thing of the past but that’s not the case in Windsor.

The central branch offers an assortment of different programs for residents of Windsor and Essex County and hopes to develop more programs in the future.

Adam Peltier, an employee at central branch, said at his branch people can find more services and programs than at other branches.

“The Microfiche machine is an example of that. You can see it only at the central branch. Microfiche machines can read older newspapers that we collected,“ said Peltier. “So if people are looking for information about news events that happened a number of decades ago they can come here and use our machines and they can look at information that they normally wouldn’t have access to. “

At the central branch, material is also available in different languages. Books, CDs, DVDs, movies, video games, newspapers and magazines are just a small part of their collection.

“All of these materials that I mentioned everyone can find something in here in their own language,” said Peltier. “In addition to the materials that I just mentioned, we have a printing lab down stairs and it’s open for everyone to go in and get access to those materials too.”

At the printing lab, they give presentations to people on how to print their own books and how to publish materials. Also, every week they have different program for children of different age ranges from babies to pre-school children.

“We have story time for newborn babies and parents can come here and read a story for their children,” said Peltier. “We have the same program for slightly older children too. We also have a program where children can build crafts, participate in events and have a chance to socialize with other children of their age group.”

 

Peltier said this is a great opportunity for younger children to be exposed to other children to gain much needed social skills early on, out of the school setting. The library also has programs and activities for school age children from crafts to dance to public readings. In October, they have Thanksgiving and Halloween programs. He said they have a special program for new Canadians.

“A group of people, a mix of Canadians and new Canadians get together and practice their conversation skills,” said Peltier. “This is a good program for new Canadians who are learning the English language to have a chance to practice with one another.”

Peltier said this gives them a chance to practice without feeling intimidated by having to speak to people who are fluent in English.

A library card is free, but you have to prove that you are a resident of Windsor or Essex County.