The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

A new technology known as CD-ROM (still in its infancy) has been purchased - this is useful for storing encyclopedias and directories, also government information (e.g. census figures). It can save storage space because one disc contains the equivalent of 250,000 pages of printed information. More recently the three patron terminals in the library have been increased to ten, and they are nearly always busy. While automation did not reach the bookmobile, it was updated with a portable microfiche reader and plastic sheets of books available at the library. In 1984 a security system was installed and each book, record or other item was equipped with a device which would set off an alarm if anyone took it past the magnetic gates without checking it out. Alarms were also installed to the Fire and Police Departments, in case of fire or intruders. Automation certainly was an ongoing process. New Horizons: A Plan for the Future From the time the first small building opened its doors to the public in 1950, the library has battled the ongoing problem of outgrowing its premises. By 1983, the lack of space had again emerged as a serious problem. But while the library staff struggled with the overcrowded conditions, they still managed to add extra services (including improved services to the businesses in the area). Extra shelving was added and microfiche and microfilm were used to free up space, but more drastic action was needed. The library still had one of the highest circulation rates per capita in Canada, 54 percent higher than the average for the Lower Mainland. Apart from the rapid growth of the community in the early years, other contributing factors were the large number of residents who had attended university (inclined to read more or just more apt to use libraries), and the higher than average percentage of seniors living here. Apart from having more time to read, seniors attend numerous courses and hobby classes and have many varied interests. Also there are programs in secondary schools that necessitate independent study, and much of this is done at the library using books provided by the library. A steering committee was established to clarify terms of reference for a long-range planning study regarding the feasibility of expanding the existing library, and to liaise with the consultants for the proposal. Their study confirmed that the library was seriously overcrowded and that an additional 15,000 square feet was required to meet present needs, while the predicted growth rate implied a need for an additional 1,000 square feet per year. The list of options included expansion and renovation of the existing building; total relocation; off-site administration and/or technical services; off-site storage; a branch library and extension of bookmobile services. ....../4