Krysten McCumber
BRANT NEWS

Brantford’s youth can get more than just books from Brantford Public Library.

Through the library’s Choices Project initiative, youth aged 11 to 25 have the chance to become involved in the community and learn important life lessons.

The program earned Brantford Public Library the Minister’s Award at the Jan. 31 Ontario Library Association Super Conference.

The program was introduced in 2009, after library staff noticed a large number of at-risk youth and young mothers using computer terminals to view Facebook and go online, rather than using the library’s resources.

The Choices Project brings youth downtown and helps them to explore those resources, learn healthy living skills and become more involved in the community.

“Thanks to the empathy, compassion and special skills of a child and youth worker, we have built meaningful relationships with our youth and have, once again, demonstrated the power of the public library to change lives,” Brantford Public Library CEO Rose Vespa said.

Visit www.brantford.library.on.ca or call 519-756-2220 for more information.