Bragging rights are on the line for the public libraries in Yellowknife and Corner Brook, N.L. as they square off against one other in a ‘Library Smackdown’.
The two libraries are competing against each other all October long as part of Canadian Library Month.
Either one can win the competition by circulating more items, recruiting more new members or drawing more people to its programs than its competition.
Yellowknife librarian John Mutford came up with the challenge back in April.
“I thought of Corner Brook because I’m originally from Newfoundland and I knew Corner Brook’s population was roughly the same size as ours,” he told Moose FM.
On average, Mutford says anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people visit Yellowknife’s public library every day.
According to its website, the library has a collection of 60,000 items in the form of print, audiobooks, e-Books and more.
On top of its regular programs, the library will be hosting a number of special events throughout October – including a book sale, open house, author presentation and film night.
While the competition is light-hearted in nature, Mutford says there’s plenty up for grabs.
“Definitely bragging rights,” he said. “We haven’t come up with an actual prize yet but we’ve been asked that question quite a lot so we’re open to ideas from the public.”
#yzf vs Corner Brook – It's National Library Month in October and we have been challenged! https://t.co/le3UukOPar pic.twitter.com/mM2C2YEVKn
— City of Yellowknife (@OurYellowknife) September 30, 2016
