DID YOU KNOW ……..?

• that the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library has an email mailing list?  Send your request to be added to this list to fsasklib@fspl.ca and you’ll receive our weekly New Book List and other timely announcements.
   
• that you can receive your Library notices by email instead of snail mail or phone?  Send your request to fsasklib@fspl.ca or contact a staff member directly at 780-998-4275. 
   
• that FSPL is on Twitter?  FSaskLib
   
• that FSPL has a Facebook page:  Fort Saskatchewan Public Library 
   
• the Library, in conjunction with City Hall, is currently being expanded? Our new, expanded space (6,400 square feet) is expected to be open in the spring of 2013. This expansion will help us to provide better library services by allowing more space for larger collections, more public access computers, and larger study areas and comfortable reading areas for library users of all ages. 
   
• the Lois Hole Library Legacy Program was created to help build the collections in Alberta's libraries? The Legacy Program allows for a donation in the donor's own name, or to honour a friend, family member or organization.
   
• we have a booksale table that is open year round? All items are 25¢ each.
   
• we always have a coffee pot on in the library?
   
• the Library has book bags for purchase? They are $8.00 each.
   
• volunteers provide service to residents at the Dr. Turner Lodge, and Southfort Bend Lodge? Volunteers also assist with displays and shelf-reading.
   
• library memberships are annual? $12 for the first member card and $3 for each additional borrower to a family maximum of $25. Senior cards are $9 per year.
   
• a hard cover book from a bookstore costs $30 to $50?  And that you can borrow the same title from the library for FREE?
   
• a non-resident membership is $30 per year for the first member of the household and $6 for anyone else in the household? Where your taxes are paid, determines your residency.
   
• we have reciprocal agreements with Edmonton, Gibbons, St. Albert and Lamont? If you have a card and are in good standing with your home library, you can get our card at the same price as a resident.
   
• you can obtain The Alberta Library Card at the library? The TAL card allows you to borrow books from over 230 libraries across Alberta. The card is free with your library membership. 
   
• that we are partnered with and connected to Strathcona County Library so you can use your FSPL library card there? Both collections are in the computerized catalogue so you can place holds on Strathcona items, and pick them up in Fort Saskatchewan. You can return your books to either library.
   
• if neither library has the book you are looking for, we can order it for you through interlibrary loan, or if it happens to be a newer book we may order it for the library?
   
• if you lose/misplace your card you should notify the library immediately? A new card can be issued to you.
   
• with your membership card you can access the internet on our computers for free for one hour per day? Non-members are given guest cards for internet use. 
   
• your library card provides access to several databases? www.fspl.ca – Find More – Databases
   
• DAISY (Digital Audio-Based Information System) Readers and books are available for loan to blind and print disabled patrons?
   
• you can borrow 100 items at a time on your library card?
   
• you may borrow up to 10 DVDs for 1 week with 1 renewal if the item is not on hold?
   
• you may borrow 1 DVD Express for 1 week; no renewal?
   
• in 2011 our annual circulation was almost 150,000 items?
   
• loan periods are mostly three weeks per item, except for DVDs (1 week) and Bestseller Express (1 week) and DVD Express items (1 week)? These loan periods may be extended upon request.
   
• you can place holds on items yourself through the catalogue? Get in line for the popular items early.
   
• you can suspend your holds if you will be unavailable for a period of time? www.fspl.ca – My FSPL – Holds
   
• you can renew books online? www.fspl.ca – My FSPL – Check Out.  If you do not have the internet you can renew your books over the phone at 780-417-2171.
   
• October is Library Month? 
   
• we celebrate Read-In Week? Reading is a treasure that we can all enjoy at any stage of our lives. Like exercise for your muscles, reading keeps your brain active and fit all through life! Reading can be for entertainment, learning or self-discovery and can be shared with family, friends and strangers.
   
• all our programs are offered free of charge?
   
• we have programs for children in the winter, spring, summer and fall? We also have a summer reading program and special seasonal programs. Visit our website, Facebook page or peruse “The Bookshelf” for more details.
   
• there are book clubs for adults and children aged 6-12? Check the library’s website (www.fspl.ca) for the titles being read.
   
• free computer training is available for beginners? A $5 cancellation deposit is refundable at the time of the session. In 2012, 187 hours of individual computer training was provided. Funding is provided by the Community Adult Learning and Literacy Society (CALLS), Fort Saskatchewan / Strathcona County (creating Lifelong Learning Opportunities).  This program is made possible by funding from Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education.
   
• our Teen Area offers a CD listening station, university calendars, graphic novels, books, and displays, etc. specific to the teenagers in our community?
   
• there are interactive computers for children at the library?
   
• you can access the internet wirelessly in the quiet study area?
   
• we offer laminating services at the library for a small fee?
   
• there is a photocopier / scanner at the library? Photocopying and scanning is self-serve. Nominal fees for photocopying are charged. 
   
• at the end of 2011 there were 50,241 items in the library’s collection?
   
• we have more than books in our collection? We have a great collection of DVDs. We also have CDs, electronic books, audio books, large print books, magazines, comic books and newspapers in our collection.
   
• you can suggest items for the library to purchase for our collection?   www.fspl.ca – Services – Suggest New Items
   
• in 2011 there were over 121,000 visits to the library?
   
• in 2011 there were over 45,000 visits to the library’s website: www.fspl.ca?
   
• Library Board members are selected and appointed by City Council even though the Library Board is independent of Council? Board members are appointed for terms of up to three years and each may be reappointed for two additional consecutive terms.
   
• the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library is a non-profit corporation?
   
• the library’s budget is approximately $610,000 per year? Most of these funds are received from the City of Fort Saskatchewan and Government of Alberta. 
   
• that non-fiction books are catalogued according to the Dewey Decimal System? Below is a breakdown of the subject areas.