New Approach For Users Markham Village Reopens December 15, 2007

Markham, ON ~ December 11, 2007 ~ Markham Village Library reopens on December 15, 2007, following an expansion and renovation with a user-friendly retail plan layout. The Markham Village branch is the first library in Canada to apply a new classification system to the adult non-fiction section , replacing the traditional Dewey Decimal cataloguing system. This new system makes materials easier to find when browsing.

Where: 6031 Highway 7 at Main Street Markham

Who: Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Markham Council
Town of Markham Public Library Board Members

When: Saturday, December 15, 2007
10 a.m to 5 p.m

Official Opening 11 a.m

Events:
- 10:15 - 12 noon Harpist Joan Kwok
- 11:30 a.m - 12:15 p.m Pond Ecology talk by Toronto Zoo Staff
- 12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m Craig Douglas, the Comic Juggler
- 1-4 p.m Music by Markham District High School
- 2-3 p.m Mad Science
- 2-5 p.m Face Painting
- 1-4 p.m Origami crafts


Background:
Markham Council commit ed more than $10.8 million to build 12,5000 sq. ft of new construction and 25,860 sq ft. of renovation in late 2005 to the existing Markham Village Library.

The branch has been designed to improve customer experience, with study rooms, a computer training facility, wireless services, teen area, an enhanced children's area and self service options. MPL's Counting Opinions survey indicates that 75% of the Liberates customers use the library for leisure and self improvement. Recent research indicates that the majority of library customers come to browse rather than for research purposes or to find a specific title.

A focal point and gathering place for the growing and changing Markham Village community, along with new bright, inviting and comfortable space, the library will house Markham Public Libraries Administration staff.