Lacombe Public Library

Why do we need a new Public Library?

Community Growth

As is the case with many other areas of the community, the library is experiencing steady growth. The existing space is overcrowded and cannot accommodate the number of books recommended for a community of Lacombe’s size. Use of the library from year to year continues to increase as the town’s population grows.

Some key highlights of that growth are:

	34% increase in membership over the last three years
	11% increase in circulation over the last three years
	25% increase in computer use since October, 2004.

	2002	2003	2004	2005
Membership		1458	1527	1959
Number of Books	23,238	27,055	25,490	28,560*
Circulation	79,892		77,973	88,890**

*The standard number of books recommended for a community of the present size is 40,000. The Lacombe Public Library is under-supplied by 11,440 volumes.
** Projected circulation for 2005.

More Space

The new library will double the current floor space and provide a bright, inviting environment capable of accommodating more users. The south-facing glassed wall will look out over Lest We Forget Memorial Park and provide a spacious, inviting reading area. More space will also allow the number of computer workstations to increase to between 15 and 20 units.

Expanded Reading Programs

Additional space will provide an opportunity to expand existing programming.

A separate meeting room will create a much-needed separate area for reading programs for all ages

Existing Programs

	Story Time
	Baby Lap Time
	Itty Bitty Babies

Proposed New Programs

	Regular teen programs with guest speakers and discussion groups
	Stories for Senior
	Regular guest speakers