Summer has hit Stratford with a surge in temperatures and, strangely enough, a surge in visitors to the Stratford Library.

District Librarian Jonet Moore says visitor numbers are up on this time last year: “we’re on track to have figures well up compared to January 2008, and we hope it will continue throughout 2009.”

The reasons for increased numbers could be anything, says Jonet, “but we think it’s due in large part to the Aotearoa People’s Network. The Stratford Library was one of the first libraries in New Zealand to have the Aotearoa People’s Network installed. This means we have four computers hooked up to high-speed broadband, as well as free wireless access for anyone who wants to bring in their laptop.”

Increased numbers could also be attributed to a lively Summer Reading Programme. For example, this Monday Tanya Batt, storyteller extraordinaire, visited the Stratford Library. Tanya is renowned for her mesmerising stories and songs for children, and Jonet had a big crowd attend. “We’re thrilled to have Tanya back at the Stratford Library and hope she’ll come again and again,” Jonet says, “the kids never get tired of listening to her spellbinding stories.”

Most of the children involved in the Summer Reading Programme are well on their way to completing the programme by Friday when we hold the grand finale at the TSB Pool Complex. Jonet says “around 20 kids have done the required minimum four report backs already, with some aiming to read 50 books each by the end of the holidays”

The Stratford Library is open 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-12noon on Saturday.