Traditionally residents have used a library for the enjoyment of reading a good story. 

“Over the years the role of libraries has been changing and becoming a community centre for information as well,” said Jane Jones, head librarian in Radium who also mentioned two new areas that have been developed since the library opened a year and a half ago.

“The first is called the Family Resource Centre. We now have a collection of  self-help books on raising children, from the baby stage to the teens,” said Jane.

“We also, with the guidance of the Law Society, have a extensive collection of law books giving information an all aspects of the law. For example, making wills, executors, human rights, etc.”

Of course, what would a house of books be without book lovers.

According to Jane “the Radium Library has established a book club that meets monthly for patrons to discuss books of their choice.

New bestseller books are continually being added to their collection, bearing in mind the interests of our adults and children of the community.”

Some recent additions include: Fishing for Stars by Bryce Courtney, I am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirby and A Soldier First by General Rick Hillier. Also new are The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins, Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon and for sports enthusiasts Playing with Fire by Theo Fleury.

They have also had several local B.C. authors visiting Radium to promote their books.

 An up-and-coming event will be one of the library’s members, Juanita Rose Violini, who is a newly published author from Edgewater. She will be reading from her book at the Radium Seniors’ Hall on November 7 at 7 p.m.

Radium Hot Springs Public Library opening hours are as follows: Tues. 6 to 8 p.m.; Wed. 2 to 4 p.m.; Thurs. 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to noon; and Sun. 2 to 4 p.m.

Anyone interested in volunteering are most welcome. For more information, call 250-347-2434 or email radiumpubliclibrary@hotmail.com.