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23 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Message from the Chair 20 08 Your Library Your Words! annual report We've also noticed an increase in the number of new residents using the Oakville Public Library, and with this, an increased demand for information in various languages. To meet this need we created "Welcome to Canada" centres in each of our 6 branches. Containing everything from the Canada Food Guide in Korean to videos on how the Canadian school system works, the centres have been very successful and the materials are flying off of the shelves. Demand for library services always increases when economic times get tough, and we're certainly experiencing it at the Oakville Public Library. We performed 188% more service transactions over the course of 2008 than we did in 2007. Now, more than ever, our free services offer a much-needed sanctuary for everyone in the community. It's a credit to staff that the Oakville Public Library continues to be one of the most heavily used and vibrant hubs in our community. As Oakville residents we can be proud that our library is leading the way. ren nch Child ntral Bra in the Ce lex, play nd son A e Lisa, a Brett, wif In 2008, the Oakville Public Library took an amazing leap forward. Our new website was launched in July and is the first of its kind for a library in North America. Designed to help people share and discover new ideas more easily, the new website gives everyone the ability to rate, review and create lists of their favourite books and movies, plus cool new ways to manage their library account. As you'll see on the following pages, the website has received rave reviews from customers of all ages. Further proof of the site's popularity is the 66% increase in visitors to the site! Brett Herrington Chair, Oakville Public Library Board 2008 www.opl.on.ca m 's Depart ent. Where people and ideas meet. le's Vital of Oakvil undation e! Fo ry servic mmunity your libra in the Co ou value " grades y e only "A tor of how much ceived th a Library re ort. Another indic The 08 rep Signs 20