By Catherine Sword

When you visit www.whitchurch-library.on.ca you’ll see a brand new, greatly improved website.  It’s sleek and the links are much better organized.

Gone are the old reference links. After we set them up way back, search engines improved and we didn’t need that page.  Also gone is the hodgepodge of icons across the top, forcing some of our best links to be hidden at the bottom of our main page.

We’re so excited about this.  At the top of our new site on the right is the resource most online visitors use – the catalogue. There’s even a handy login for your account where you can check the status of your library card, make reservations for materials, or renew items. 

All the downloadable audio books are finally on one list under Services/Resources. There are Tumble books for both adults and children, NetLibrary and Overdrive.  If you like to listen to your books, check out that link. 

Sprocket’s Space is for young children and we’re developing a teen page.  There’s still work to do and we’d love to hear what you think. You can contact us easily from the homepage.  Check out the little survey at the bottom right corner or click on the link under ‘About the Library’ to access one of four different departments. 

One of my favourite links is What’s Happening, which is mirrored in the calendar along the right side.  I know this isn’t new to many of you, but for us, it’s a great improvement.  It’s where you’ll be able to find out about upcoming programs.  You can view the entire list, or select only children’s, teens’ or adults’ programs. 

Here’s a quick rundown on some adult programs. The Book Club discussion group is starting back up, meeting on alternate Wednesdays.  Catch the programs on Feb. 3 and 17, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.  The group is looking for new members and it’s actually two clubs in one. There’s a core group who like to meet bi-weekly to have general discussions on a topic.  Once a month, a specific book is selected for discussion and that draws a few other people out.  Now is a wonderful time to drop in, as they’re setting up a three month schedule. 

There are also more writing programs: one for romance writers on Feb. 20 and another for youth on Feb 21. If you need details you can drop into the library, or check out that new website!  It’s going to be all the rage.  

Catherine Sword is adult services librarian at Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

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