Revelstoke library patron appreciation day sparks gingerbread hunt

Lucie Bergeron, community librarian with guests at the Revelstoke library patron appreciation day. **Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer**

Revelstoke’s library was abuzz with activity to celebrate Patron Appreciation Day Saturday, Dec. 14. Community members were welcome to take part in a scavenger hunt around the library as they searched for the gingerbread man or enjoyed some crafts and treats at the circulation desk.

The Okanogan Regional Library (ORL) Revelstoke branch regularly hosts literacy events, hobby activities and learning opportunities for the various resources available through ORL library memberships, and most attendees stopped by the library as part of their regular routine before learning about Patron Appreciation Day.

“We use the computers to play Roblex,” Rowan Wild Gooliaff told Revelstoke Mountaineer, explaining that staff are happy to show the wide range of electronic resources the library offers.

“I read a lot of books after I play. We stay here a long time and I read,” Finn Wild Gooliaff said.

Patron Appreciation Day gave staff the opportunity to connect with a range of regulars, offering tea, coffee and treats to familiar faces who have shaped the Revelstoke library community.

“I got the chance to connect with the gentleman who donated for our new circulation desk, [and] thank him again for that upgrade that’s been so helpful,” Lucie Bergeron, community librarian told Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Running for 10 years now, featuring the gingerbread hunt originally inspired by local teacher Linda Dickson, Patron Appreciation Day is a highlight in a job centered around connecting with community members, Bergeron said.

“That space becomes so important in small towns like Revelstoke, and I enjoy celebrating our little library community.”