YEAR IN REVIEW 2021 : simplebooklet.com

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD CHAIR S MESSAGE Needless to say 2021 was a repeat performance of 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic and the oftenchanging directives set by the province Wasaga Beach Public Library continued to provide very good library service to the community with safety foremost in mind using innovative programming methods providing curbside pickup as needed and using time efficiently to perform operational tasks which will give direction to future library endeavours Debbie Grant Chair Lorraine Gruzuk Vice Chair David Foster Council Rep Corrine Lalonde Dan Trafford David Gross Jody Mayhew Nancy Donnelly Pam Barker Rosanna Vryvogel FORMER MEMBERS Didi Dasilviera James Kowbel The WBPL Board commends our library staff for their excellent service and for bringing to the community a respite from the pressures that have been a result of the pandemic and the ensuing isolation New services such as the WBPL bookmobile were initiated and welcomed by the community Staff offered ongoing assistance with vaccine passports computer and tech use reader s advisory job applications tax preparation and more to members of the community in a manner which ensured safety and provided necessary guidance as well as entertainment The WBPL Board and staff are excited to see the progress with the new Twin Pad Arena and Library build They know this new larger modern space will provide even more opportunity to serve their community in creative and innovative ways Fundraising is ongoing please consider contributing to this new build which will serve our community for the years ahead in so many positive ways Visit www wb legacy ca to learn how you may donate Debbie Grant BOARD CHAIR 02 In 2021 the Wasaga Beach Public Library Board worked with WBPL staff and data accumulated through the 2019 2020 New Library Programs and Services Needs Assessment to develop a new strategic plan The strategic plan outlines the following core values mission statement vision statement 4 strategic goals 18 strategic objectives For more information about the new 2022 2026 Strategic Plan go to the library s website www wasagabeach library on ca WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

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2021 SERVICE STATS 17 500 VISITORS 71 108 ITEMS BORROWED 9 349 LIBRARY MEMBERS 4 113 CURBSIDE PICKUPS 5 554 ACTIVE MEMBERS 657 NEW MEMBERS 853 ITEMS DELIVERED 4 304 WI FI USES 1 250 COMPUTER USES we use the Wasaga Beach library frequently and cannot praise you and the staff enough for the excellent service provided especially over the past year Sherry FIGURE 1 The new WBPL Bookmobile was launched on April 1 2021 with a collection of more than 1 000 items on board as well as free Wi Fi access WBPL staff offered reader s assistance community information and pop up programming for youngsters throughout Wasaga Beach 58 DAYS OF SERVICE 159 HOURS OF SERVICE 1 166 PEOPLE SERVED 470 CHILDREN ENTERTAINED to the Friends of Wasaga Beach Public Library and the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 17 for donating 800 towards the Bookmobile s new awning WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021 3 594 APP USES 883 LINKEDIN VIDEOS VIEWED 2 308 DIGITAL PERIODICALS READ 3 777 ANCESTRY SEARCHES 22 660 EBOOKS BORROWED WBPL offered assistance to hundreds of Wasaga Beach residents who needed help with booking vaccinations printing vaccine passports and downloading QR codes 03

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2021 KIDS PROGRAMS 131 2 400 PROGRAMS PEOPLE ENGAGED In 2021 WBPL looked for fresh ways to engage young minds Some highlights include New Storytime programs that combined music and stories 41Instrumental STEAM programs Partnerships with local educators to offer students Scientists in School 18 literacy programs programs 21 social programs Virtual visits to Ripley s Aquarium the Toronto Zoo and the Houston 39 outreach programs Space Center 20 other programs Pop up programs at the Wasaga Beach Market and Movie Nights A big Foam Movie Party in collaboration with the Town of Wasaga Beach I can t thank you enough for motivating both my kids to read daily My daughter s reading was a little behind at the beginning of the summer but she has progressed so much through the program and we are very impressed and proud of her not to mention that she is proud of herself It has had a huge impact on their reading skills confidence and self esteem Jen D TD SUMMER READING CLUB 64 300 63 976 04 KIDS REGISTERED CHALLENGE PARTIPANTS MINUTES READ STORYBOOK CONTEST WINNERS The second annual WBPL Storybook Contest was staged through the summer There were 12 entries submitted and awards given in three age categories plus an open family category The winning books are available to borrow at the library WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

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2021 ADULT PROGRAMS 124 PROGRAMS 1 473 PEOPLE ENGAGED The majority of adult programs were offered online in 2021 but WBPL staff seized the opportunity to stage in person programs outdoors when COVID 19 restrictions were lifted Highlights of the year include 32partnership arts culture programs A new with nine Simcoe County 62 literary programs libraries offered a monthly Author Talk series 30 Rhythm lifelong WBPL s oflearning the Beachprograms drum circle was showcased on CTV Barrie as a feel good story The monthly Fine Art Series provided both virtual and in person instruction for painting in different styles and techniques A National Novel Writing Month collaboration with seven Simcoe County libraries provided novice authors with 13 online events Live music programs provided isolated residents with opportunities to socialize and sing along with talented performers Lifelong learning programs delved into diverse subject matter including birding living off grid Wasaga Beach by laws ordering groceries online and sexual gender identity The Among Us program is great It s inclusive and the kids love it TECH PROGRAMS 2 190 83 160 RESIDENTS LEARNED DIGITAL ARTS SKILLS ADULTS RECEIVED TECH HELP TWEENS GAMED WITH DREW WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021 05

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NEW NOTEWORTHY SENIORS CONNECT PROJECT With financial support from the Ontario Government s Seniors Community Grant WBPL offered a special Seniors Connect project making 26 tablets and six Wi Fi hotspots available for older adults to borrow to connect to the internet online programs and services as well as each other LINKEDIN LEARNING In 2021 WBPL made LinkedIn Learning formerly A ROOM TO REMEMBER In November WBPL created a Room to Remember space for residents to visit and reflect on those who have served and continue to serve The room featured war memorabilia from private collector Lee Anning displays of Wasaga Beach Hometown Heroes and thoughtprovoking collection materials Lynda com available for residents to access thousands of online courses and instructional videos on a wide range of topics from art and business to building a website The goal was to help residents build job skills and stay stimulated during the pandemic period PRESSREADER DIGITAL PERIODICALS WBPL invested in a subscription to Pressreader to provide Wasaga Beach residents with access to thousands of digital periodicals from around the world The newspapers and magazines provided people with a way to stay informed through reputable sources In September WBPL acknowledged the importance of Truth and Reconciliation with library displays and programs that offered insight into indigenous healing and reconciliation as well as safe water for indigenous communities 06 ONLINE TD SUMMER READING CLUB To make it easier for children and caregivers to get involved in the library s TD Summer Reading Club WBPL offered a new online Beanstack platform that tracked reading and encouraged interaction through challenges book review pages and other fun opportunities WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

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NEW NOTEWORTHY FINAL DESIGN FUNDRAISING MILESTONES FOR NEW LIBRARY The new library and twin pad arena project made extensive progress in 2021 The design consultant team at MJMA finalized plans for the 120 000 square foot joint use facility The proposed new library at 544 River Road West is approximately 17 000 square feet and features new spaces for the community including study program and learning rooms plus specialized lounges for adults teens and children Aquicon Construction was hired to build the facility and a special groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 22 2021 to get construction underway At the groundbreaking the building s title sponsor was revealed A 1 million commitment by the Cortellucci family and Zancor Homes kickstarted the project s fundraising campaign Preparation for the fundraising campaign commenced in January with new policies marketing strategies and Wasaga Beach Council approval of 27 building assets available for naming rights A fundraising goal of 1 7 million was established for the campaign A community campaign was also launched with TipTap devices installed for fast donations as well as the opportunity to sponsor library leaves bricks benches arena seats and trees WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021 07

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COMMUNITY COMMENTS You have made the last year so much better for our family by delivering resources for my father Ruta K Library and SALC programs have been a godsend during this pandemic Irene I m sure it hasn t been easy coming up with interactive programs that work well over Zoom Keep up the great work that you and your coworkers have been doing Please know that we truly appreciate your efforts Nichole B We are grateful to be a part of such a great library and community We didn t stay for the movie as my kids were soaked and dirty but they had so much fun with the activities seeing the animals and THE FOAM Lol Thanks again for all of your hard work and for doing your job so well with a passion for the kids Deb E 08 Just want you to know that I am now able to order my groceries online for pickup at Walmart and Superstore Thank you for that Zoom Gail H I am new to Wasaga Beach as of December 1st so I was very happy to be part of the community thanks for organizing the event and I look forward to more Zoom classes Kim P This was a great idea for virtual storytime and musical introduction Are you two the new example of the bedtime storytime What an enjoyable way to entertain and educate our little ones Margot S We can t thank you enough for your generosity and for what you re doing for kids in your community Nadya D a Zoom appointment was set up where Drew provided a solution for my technical issue as well as some good suggestions to make things easier for me in future All in all I m very impressed WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW 2021