'A happening spot': Summerside Rotary Library big hit

The newlibrary in Summerside, P.E.I.,is turning out to be a big hit since it opened itsdoors threemonths ago.

• New $2.2M library opens in Summerside

At 20,000 square feet, the new $2.4 million building is more than double the size of the previous location.

"We've had over 260 new library cards issued since coming into this building," said Gerard Greenan with the Friends of the Rotary Library Group.

"Roughly about 10,000 people a month come through the doors."

'Dreams are coming true'

Since opening in December, thelibrary has had over 30,000 visits, and have signed out more than 25,000 items an increase of 25 per cent over the same time period last year.

"Libraries are offering a lot more than what you or I might have experienced going to the library, a public library, when we were youngsters or in our teens or young adults," he pointed out.

The library moved from the former Summerside train station where it had been for 20 years, to the city's old post office.

"We didn't want to see buildings vacant or partially vacant," Greenan said. "We saw an opportunity here and we dreamed big and I think our dreams are coming true."

'A gem in the community'

The number of people participating in library programsis also up.Nearly4,500 people have takenadvantage of 93 free programs so far.

"We do everything from bird-watching, to handling depression, to diabetes," sharedGloriaSchurman of the East Prince Seniors Initiative.

"Everything that is offered is free and it's a great place to socialize and learn at the same time. This place is a truly a gem in the community," she said.

The building includes a community program room, study rooms, public computer stations,and a children's area all decorated with40 artworks donated by Island artists.

"it's called the Inspire Learning Centre and that's what we're trying to do. To inspire people to come, to visit, to use the facility," saidGreenan. "This place is a happening spot."

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