The Blaine Library had an eventful 2021. From March to July we progressed from limited visits to a full reopening. It’s been great seeing new and returning community members enjoying the library space.
We said goodbye to over 57 years of library experience as beloved staff retired or moved on to new opportunities. Yet the library grew, adding skilled new staff members. We are well positioned to serve the community with a crew of knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate workers.
2021 saw new services at the library. The Canadian border reopening brought many patrons requesting ArriveCAN assistance. Staff helped navigate the new regulations, and saved the day for many a weary traveler. Additionally, Blaine gained a new book return location for all WCLS materials at the Blaine Middle School.
The library took part in many community events: A pop-up library at Pirate Daze, a carnival-themed booth at Trick-or-Treat on the Berm, and a candy cane limbo at the Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash. Branch visitors saw changes in the building as well. Summer Reading brought us a mural of Chart Your Own Path reading cards, and a StoryWalk around Blaine. Library Card Signup Month introduced Sasquatch scavenger hunts. Fall and winter saw staff costumes, a scarecrow window display and a winter-themed “I Love Blaine Library” photo backdrop.
The Blaine Library Building Project received many donations this past year. The Ronald Cyr Estate contributed a generous $19,100, and the Friends of the Blaine Library worked tirelessly with book sales and events to help raise additional funds towards our new building goal. The Blaine library is a thriving and active place, and we look forward to the community’s support in the coming years as we work to realize the vision of a new library building. Come see what’s new in 2022!
Jonathan Jakobitz, Blaine Library interim branch manager
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