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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 14, 2008 - 23 Newcomers should check out the library I magine arriving in a new community without the access to communication technology tools such as phone line, internet or cell phone, let alone the help and support of family or friends. This is what thousands of newcomers to Oakville face every year. In fact, it is estimated that there were more than 10,000 new residents to Oakville in the year 2007. For these people, it can be a time of great uncertainty, change and more often than not, stress. Moving to a new area can be particularly difficult if young children are involved, and being aware of the facilities and services offered in your new community is essential. When Joanne moved to Oakville from Hong Kong in 2006, with her two-year-old daughter and a baby boy on the way, she had to start entirely from scratch. "Although I am originally from the UK and had experienced an international move before, this time I was pregnant and we had a two-yearold to consider," she said. Joanne found that she just didn't have the time and patience to research her new community in the way she had a few years before when she moved to Hong Kong. "I really didn't know a soul when I moved to Oakville, and most newcomers I know are in the same boat," she said. "However, I am forever thankful to my neighbour who took to me to an Oakville library...this proved to be a lifeline." Joanne not only found she was introduced to friendly and helpful staff, but she was amazed at the wealth of information offered by the library. "I was able to glean all the information I needed as a newcomer, through the library, such as mums groups, childcare providers, church locations... all helping me to settle into my new community," she said. By visiting her local library branch her daughter met and played with other children, and Joanne met other mothers, many of which she now counts as her close friends. "The library is also a meeting place for us mums while the children are stimulated in a safe, fun and educational environment," she said. "As a mother that really means a lot to me." Joanne's story is echoed by many of OPL's customers and that is a source of pride for the library. "We are delighted that newcomers to Oakville really value our facilities and services. To serve our expanding community we are constantly challenging current practices, initiating breakthrough improvements, and creating new standards of performance," said CEO, Lori Sims. Oakville Public Library endeavours to make each branch a welcoming and informative place to bring your family, whether you sign up for its seasonal programs, just feel like grabbing a book www.opl.on.ca (link from `my community'). Whatever your need, as a newcomer or as a long time resident of Oakville, your library provides a quality service to the community and offers a real sense of belonging to the Town of Oakville. Joanne believes that OPL is really something special. "Whilst I have used many libraries across the world...my experience of Oakville Public Library has always shone through," she said. "Great programs and facilities, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff who share their undeniably real passion for books and learning. Oakville residents are very lucky to have this gem in its crown." Thank you to Joanne Pretsell and her family for sharing her experiences with the Oakville Public Library. -- Submitted by the Oakville Public Library or music for some rest and relaxation, or want to pick up or download an audio book for that long business trip. 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