These Were the Most Borrowed Books from Milton Public Library in 2017

Having a library card isn’t exactly the sexiest thing in the world – but it should be a dealbreaker, I’d say – and once you get one, the fun never ends.

Having a library card isn’t exactly the sexiest thing in the world – but it should be a dealbreaker, I’d say – and once you get one, the fun never ends.

It’s no secret that Milton Public Library (MPL) is an incredible community resource and an extremely popular place for kids, seniors, and booklovers overall.

But do you know what’s offered at the local bibliotheque?

There are currently two MPL locations: the Main Library at 1010 Main St. E. and the Beaty Branch at 945 Fourth Line.  

In 2019, the new Sherwood Community Centre & Library will be opening, adding a third location.

MPL offers 3D printing, online newspapers through (a) the “Canadian Reference Centre” which provides full text for leading Canadian newspapers and newswires as well as (b) historical news archives (dating back to 1862, book downloads, free e-learning services, programming for newcomers, workshops on career success, and book clubs for children, teens, and adults.  

In addition, MPL has Gale Courses (interactive, online personal and professional development courses), Brainfuse (live, on-demand online tutoring support for students), LEGO programs (solve real-world scientific problems using LEGO), and support MagnusCards (an app that supports those living with cognitive special needs).

The top-circulating adult fiction book, The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel, was MPL’s 2017 One Book, One Milton community read.  

One Book, One Milton allows adults to connect through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book at the same time, “similar to one really big book club,” said MPL spokesperson Kendra Oxley.

In 2017, MPL engaged more than 350 adults and seniors in six One Book, One Milton programs, activities, and events from May until Sept., said Oxley.

The program culminated with Martel sharing in-person his insights and reflections of his award-winning novel. 

@WriterYann will autograph copies at the #OneBookOneMilton finale. Get your copy at Main Library or at the event. https://t.co/Mf72wOzFjn pic.twitter.com/J97i6T6XMU

— Milton PublicLibrary (@Milton_Library) September 8, 2017

In addition, MPL invited residents to experience the book series Wonder by R.J. Palacio by sharing one (or more) of the titles in this series with their family: Wonder, We’re All Wonders; Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories; and 365 Days of Wonder.

Wonder and We’re All Wonders made it into MPL’s top five circulations for children in 2017, thanks in part to this MPL Community Read program.

These were some of the most borrowed items across the system in 2017, according to MPL.

In 2017 alone, MPL had 1,418,465 visits (both in-person and online) and 1,862,629 uses of the collection, including physical, in-house and online.

There are 62,763 total MPL cardholders.

In 2017, MPL offered a total of 1,928 programs, which were attended by 45,735 people, said Oxley.