March Library Update

March 11^th, 2001

Update of Petticoat Creek branch:
Due to construction problems including receiving delivery of the large plate glass windows for the south and west exposures, the projected opening of the site has been deferred until April.  Library staff continue to pickup collection material from the drop box at the Rouge Hill branch building.

Angus Mowat Award:
For the 3rd time in 5 years, the Pickering Public Library has received a provincial award for providing excellent service to the community through a web site designed to help small businesses.  The Library received the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence from the Ontario Library Association, at the annual convention in February, in recognition of the web site created by staff, "Starting and Growing a Business in Pickering".  It was developed as a partnership with the City of Pickering's Corporate Promotions and Economic Development Department to provide a greater number of resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners as well as participating in trade shows and providing information on registering a business.

The content of the site covers everything from choosing the right business to a self-analysis program to help people determine whether they have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.  It also includes information on financing, making your business legal, sales and marketing advice and demographics of Pickering.

The 2 previous awards included, in 1995 recognition of a job and career centre which the staff developed.  In 1996, the library was honoured with an award for innovation for providing local residence with a link to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind's information database.

Digitized Historical Database:
The Library has launched a historical database that chronicles, in a digitized format, events in Pickering from 1881 to 2000.  The first phase of the project includes digitization of local newspapers including The Pickering News Advertiser, The Bay News, The Bay Reporter and The Pickering Post.  Digital format allows easy access to newspapers in the library and on the Internet.  The database will be a valuable resource for students, researchers and others by making historical information about Pickering more accessible.