P.E.I. libraries 'definitely' saw an increase in usage in 2024

More than 630,000 times in 2024, Prince Edward Islanders borrowed something from the province's public library service — and books were far from the only choice.

"That number is definitely up from years past and we continue to see an increase in usage across P.E.I.," said Krystal Dionne, a regional librarian with the P.E.I. Public Library Service. 

About 4,000 programs were offered across the province and more than 46,000 people attended them, she said. 

"Looking at just the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, though, we had over 315,000 people just cross through the doors within the past year," she said. 

The most borrowed adult fiction book of 2024 was Lisa Jewell's None of This Is True, which was followed closely by The Women by Kristin Hannah, Dionne said. 

In non-fiction, Prince Harry's Spare was the most popular title. 

While books certainly remain an important part of what the library offers, there's more to choose from than just page turners. 

Specialty collection

P.E.I.'s libraries are trying to meet the needs of the community by offering much more, Dionne said. 

"We pay attention to what's going on with other communities and we listen to our patrons," she said. "We definitely want to hear what the people want and that's what we'd like to try to provide when we can." 

Radon detectors are an example of one of the specialty items popular among library users last year, Dionne said. 

She said recent government education around the dangers of radon has encouraged people to test for the radioactive gas.

"But to go buy one, you only want to use it the one time," she said. "Libraries provide that service, so then we're also not as wasteful as a society. A lot of people can use that same item and everyone can test their basements." 

Other popular specialty items include musical instruments, light-therapy lamps and noise-cancelling headphones.

Creating community spaces

In addition to the products they offer, the Island's libraries are also working on "providing those spaces — welcoming, inclusive spaces — where everyone from all walks of life are welcome to come and spend time," Dionne said. 

She said libraries serve as a "third space" or a hub in the community where people spend time outside their homes or workplaces.

"It's not just a place to stop in to borrow your materials," she said. "People are having business meetings and play dates and meeting new people, connecting with the community, so it's really wonderful to see that." 

For those who can't make it to library buildings, the library offers outreach programs, Dionne said. 

For example, the Community Care Facility Delivery service provides books and other library materials to communities across the province. 

In 2024, this program "delivered 9,734 books directly to community-care facilities, nursing homes, daycares and early learning centres," according to a news release from the Department of Education and Early Years. 

Last spring, the province asked Islanders to provide feedback on library services, programs and resources. Dionne said a report on that feedback is expected next week.