This story was originally published December 2024 as part of the Library's 2023-24 Annual Report. Read the full report here, online, opens a new window.
With each year that passes, our collection and service approach grows and is tended to based on shifting needs and demands, much like a garden.
This year, we sprouted up with several new additions to our collection and new methods of offering library service. From building out the Library’s collection in areas of popular genres (Romantasy is thriving!) to welcoming new digital means of accessing arts and culture, check out how public preference has impacted the Library’s growth this year.
One of the most exciting developments this year was the launch of our new Library Kiosk at Prospect Community Centre. This additional service location allows community members to access their library resources closer to home, making it more convenient than ever to borrow books and engage with library services.
In the digital realm, we enriched our online offerings with two new resources: Medici.tv and CBC Corner. Medici.tv is a streaming platform that brings the beauty of classical music directly to our patrons, offering live performances and an extensive library of recordings. CBC Corner provides educational TV content, articles, and even a language-learning app component.
Our Collections team observed notable trends this year, particularly in the realm of romance literature and other popular genres. “In 2024, we continued to see high demand for genre fiction,” says Halifax Public Libraries Collection Development Librarian, Sarah Weaver. “Romance and Horror have been trending, and Romantasy (a combination of Fantasy and Romance) has remained popular with our readers.”
As borrowing patterns evolve, we continue to fine-tune our collection, ensuring that we not only meet current demands but can also anticipate and pivot to serve future ones—such as the growing demand for books by local authors.
“Books by Lesley Crewe, Amanda Peters, and Donna Alward were some of our most popular titles in 2024,” says Sarah. She notes the popularity of these local authors, combined with the success of Staff Lists online featuring recommended books, shows how deeply engaged our community is with both global and local literary trends.
While many library users engage with us through traditional means—borrowing books and accessing physical resources—we also recognize the importance of providing many alternative pathways to discovery. This year, we introduced an enhanced catalogue feature on our website that allows us to highlight events, blogs, and resources based on keyword searches. This intuitive tool acts along the lines of “personalized recommendations,” allowing searchers to delve deeper into Library offerings, encouraging serendipitous discoveries. It’s a gentle nudge into the wider (and wilder) world of the Library they may not yet be familiar with!
In exploration of the wider, wilder world out there, we were also proud to fully launch our Bicycle Borrowing collection at J.D. Shatford Memorial Public Library in Hubbards this fall. “The bikes have added a whole new way that people in our community can engage with the Library,” says Programming Specialist, Claire Funk. “They provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore the beautiful trails and community of Hubbards.”
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to building excellent collections and outlets for library service, weaving them into the fabric of our Library’s mission. Together, we are not just sharing stories; we are creating a vibrant, interconnected narrative that reflects the interests and passions of our users.
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