Niagara Falls Public Library:

Serving the Community Beyond Books

By Jill Tham

Traditionally, libraries are filled with books and quiet spaces perfect for reading and studying. The Niagara Falls Public Library (NFPL) provides the community with an experience that goes beyond books. “It doesn’t matter if you like reading a lot or a little or you don’t like reading at all, we will find you something else that you are interested in,” says Kaley Stewart, Communications Associate/Community Engagement for the library. “The library has more than just books! We have a huge collection of non-bookish items available for customers to borrow at no cost,” says Stewart.

“You can have up to 60 items on your card for a few weeks and usually renew them if someone is not waiting for it,” says Stewart. In addition to books, the library lends out musical instruments, picnic games, light therapy lamps, outdoor equipment and Parks passes, board games, movies, and video game consoles (Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite). Ukulele lessons are also offered.

Borrowing items and utilizing the services has never been easier. “You don’t have to have a library card to attend some of our programs,” says Stewart who finds a balanced approach to programming works best for the community. “Some programs require registration, and some are drop-in.”

One of the new changes in the library is the elimination of late fees. “Fines were a huge barrier. We do want our books back, but we don’t want anyone to feel ashamed,” says Stewart. The library conducted a pilot program where a reminder call or email was sent to the patron after the item was overdue. “We found that after the first reminder most items came back,” says Stewart.

The library’s fall programming is off and running. “Our next block session has something for everyone. It begins in October and registration opens in mid September,” says Stewart. The always popular baby time and family story time programs are still on the agenda along with several programs geared for specific ages and literacy abilities.

“Our DIY homemaking program, which just finished making soap, and ‘Crafternoons’ one of our drop-in adult programs are fun social experiences,” says Stewart.

Book clubs are a great way to share interests, meet new people, and participate in discussions. The NFPL has different book clubs for community members to choose from. “We have two at the community centre, one at Stamford, and ‘Beer and Books’ at Taps bar on Queen Street,” says Stewart. “Our year-long book clubs allow for customers to read a book they may not have otherwise picked up and have the chance to discuss it with other book lovers.”

Author and public speaker, Darcy Patrick, has worked with the library for many years with great success. “His wildly popular ‘Managing Wellness Series’ runs for four weeks,” says Stewart who adds that every program is listed on the library’s website.

Stewart works hard to ensure new programs entice a variety of age groups. “Our teen advisory group that meets monthly online to help us know what teens want in the library,” says Stewart. “In the summer we had an art exhibit of teen work. They put it together and all the high schools had students display their art in our Rosberg Gallery.

“Other adult programs of note happening this October and November are Digital Drawing, Managing Wellness series with author and speaker Darcy Patrick, Service Canada for newcomers’ presentation, art classes and Computer Basics,” says Stewart.

Stewart boasts about the recent changes in the different sites, “We make sure everything we are doing works for the customers,” says Stewart. “The library is good for connecting people with the information they need whether that is book or other type of information.” For those that need a quiet space, partner offices can be reserved for Zoom, in person interviews or short meetings. “Rooms can be booked on the website,” says Stewart.

“The library houses a wide variety of information about the history of Niagara Falls. Our records can help with research, particularly those looking for their family history. We have microfilm available and over 1500 vertical files full of newspaper clippings on various topics, including biographies, the tourist industry, crime, schools, clubs and societies, and businesses,” says Stewart.

A plethora of digital resources that include magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, eBooks, movies, music, book recommendations, crafts, and learning can be accessed by the community. The library provides its members online access to cloudLibrary, hoopla, kanopy, pressreader, Creativebug, LinkedIn Learning and NoveList.

Stewart is looking forward to the reopening of the newly renovated Stamford Centre location in Niagara Falls which inhabits two store fronts and includes a large community room. “The McCall-MacBain Foundation donated $300,000 to the renovation which is a huge help. Our community also stepped up to donate funds,” says Stewart who stresses the appreciation they have for community donations. “Our need for donations and sponsorships is now greater than ever due to budget constraints, inflation, and rising costs,” says Stewart.

Stewart expresses the importance of inclusion at the library. “Every single person is welcome regardless of the age, background, and circumstances,” says Stewart.

Whether you want to visit the library in person or search online, there are thousands of books, movies, and items to choose from. “It’s endless,” says Stewart. “All you need is your library card to access all of that at no cost.”