The Airdrie Public Library recently released their 2016 report to the community.

Library Director Pam Medland says that this past year was definitely a successful one.

"We had a couple big initiatives: new summer story times in the park, installation of our Smart Locker circulation service based out of Genesis Place. We were really pleased with our 2016 results."

The Library saw increased usage in overall visits, computer WiFi use and program attendance.

One of the big reasons for the growth last year was the Library's Smart Locker initiative.

"It's been well received," says Medland, "It means that people can go to Genesis Place for another activity...they can place a hold and pick up their item at Genesis Place."

The Smart Lockers helped the Library win an Alberta Minister's Award for Excellence in Library Service back in April.

Now that the Library has looked back on the last year, it's the next few months that could bring more changes to the facility.

Medland says they'll be going ahead with a 2000 sq ft. expansion into the old Taekwon-Do centre, which will help local families.

"It's going to allow us to almost double our preschool programming...we will now have two Children's Departments: a preschool department and a school age department."

The Library hopes that new expansion will be complete and open by the beginning of September.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com