Hours of operation will be increasing in two rural Prince Edward Island libraries announced Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Vessey.
“I am pleased that in response to community support, there will be an increase in the library service hours in both Kensington and Souris locations,” said Minister Vessey. “At a time when Islanders have so many ways to obtain information, it is clear that our public libraries continue to play an essential role in our communities. As an active partner in the delivery of library services, communities greatly contribute to the overall success.”
The service hours in both Kensington and Souris will be increased by six hours weekly for a total of more than 600 hours of additional library service for rural Islanders. These extended hours will begin on Monday, May 17, 2010.
Communities provide and maintain facilities across the province while the Government of Prince Edward Island provides staff, materials and management of the province-wide system. In the last year, library circulation in rural branches grew by more than 10% and, in a number of locations, including Montague, Morell, Souris and Stratford, the growth in one year was more than 20%.
Last year, there was an increase in library hours in a number of locations. This increase will bring the service levels in Kensington and Souris to an equitable figure for similar communities across the province.