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Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff
By Tanner Smith
Library

GPPL’s 2021 performance compared to other Albertan mid-sized cities

Nov 2, 2022 | 6:00 AM

The Alberta Public Library Benchmark Comparisons for mid-sized cities in 2021 have been released.

These showcase a long list of different things from the number of in-person visits, cardholders, and even the square footage of all the libraries.

Out of all six cities involved, St Albert, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Airdrie, and Red Deer, Grande Prairie had the second-highest cardholder percentage, sitting at thirty per cent.

Deb Cryderman, Director of the Grande Prairie Public Library, says with this being in 2021, these are still pandemic stats. She believes the library’s ability to adapt played a big part in getting the second-best spot.

“I think a lot of our cardholders came out of a number of different situations. Number one we dropped cardholder fees. Number two we dropped fines that were associated with overdue materials and number three during the pandemic a lot of people signed up so they could access electronic items… remotely.”

Cryderman adds she believes the look of the building helps draw people in as well.

“Absolutely the most beautiful building in town, and I would say it’s in the top three library buildings in Alberta, for sure. I think it’s a very comforting and warm atmosphere, despite the soaring ceilings and open spaces. There are lots of cozy little nooks and corners you can go be by yourself in or have some peace and quiet. It’s also a beautiful community gathering place.”

The GPPL has the second lowest annual open hours out of all six cities and yet still saw over 100,000 people visit the Library in 2021, only behind Lethbridge, Red Deer, and St Albert, which all have more than one library.

Cryderman says taking suggestions from the people and making changes to serve the residents of Grande Prairie better through the pandemic is definitely a big reason for the positive numbers seen in the comparison.

” We always are looking to do new things in response to the community needs, so the community’s needs are really what guides us. We have several guiding documents that are built by consulting with the community. That is our goal, is to always do better and always do a little more.”

The GPPL performed well throughout the pandemic year, despite receiving the lowest amount of municipal funding out of all six mid-sized cities.

To give the GPPL feedback, you can get visit their website for contact information, Facebook page, or by going into the library and providing feedback in person.

Alberta Public Library Benchmark Comparison 2021
Alberta Public Library Benchmark Comparison 2021
by Tanner Smith