Picton library update

Library expansion project inches closer to completion

Last week, the Picton Library was finally able to reopen its front doors and welcome patrons through the traditional entrance, after months of access through the side door only. The fiveyear project to modernize and expand the library is nearing completion. “The interior work is almost complete, and there is work to be done on the exterior that we expect will go to spring of 2024. We’re getting closer, but we’re not there yet,” said library CEO Barbara Sweet. “I want to have our grand opening when it’s all finally done.” The remaining outdoor work is mainly landscaping, some of which will have to be coordinated with the owners of the adjacent properties. It was anticipated that the project would have been completed by this time, and a grand opening was set for the fall, but with a few outstanding things still needing to be done the library will instead hold a Donor Appreciation event on December 12 to show off some of the new features of the space.

Children’s librarian Kyra Walker Pearson stands in the renovated children’s reading and activity space.

The library was built in 1907 and had served the community well for over 100 years. The expansion project was intended to bring the library into the twenty-first century while maintaining the classic ambiance of the original building. The initial budget for the expansion was $2.7 million, with the municipality providing $320,000 in taxpayer funds, plus an additional approximately $500,000 from development charges. The rest of the money was raised through donors and community grants. “Our original goal was $2.7 million, and we had to go beyond, to about $3.3 million, which is a huge leap. The majority has come from our patrons and believers and library supporters in the community, because the amount committed by the municipality has not changed since day one. We are limited in our capacity to access funds. We are not eligible as a library to go through so many of the fundraising channels,” said Alexandra Bake, chair of the fundraising committee.

With provincial government changes to the development charge regime, additional funds from that source are no longer available to the library from any new home building projects. Earlier this year, two donors committed a maximum of $125,000 in matching funds. Currently, the library has raised approximately half of that from community donations and has about $60,000 to go to unlock the full amount.

The library has seen a huge increase in use since the new sections were opened to the public earlier this summer. “When you walk in through the front doors now and you see the vista right through to the back, and with the light shining in, it just feels so uplifting. The promises that we made when we were blue-skying this building have materialized. The library is being used in ways that we had hoped for,” said Ms. Bake. There are quiet study spaces available, as well as bookable meeting spaces. There is a flexible- use space on the lower level, and a large area on the main floor that can be used for meetings and events. There is also a spectacular two-storey high green wall that provides a soothing ambience. One very popular program is the community pantry. Anyone can visit and pick up food or toiletry items that they may need, or donate items. The Music Instrument Lending Library is now located in Picton—it was formerly at the Milford branch—and has seen an almost 25 per cent increase in use. “One thing that we are really pleased about is our recording booth. It’s quite impressive and it’s fully equipped from the Huff grant. People can use it for podcasting; musicians can use it. It was one of those things people requested when we were doing the original studies. We’ve been in touch with the radio station to let them know that if they need an overflow space, we are here,” said Ms. Sweet.

The expanded library space has also made it easier for the library staff. They have more room to do their work and also have to potential to offer expanded programming. Kyra Walker Pearson is the children’s librarian, and she has seen a huge increase in families using the new space, which includes a reading room plus a large gross-motor play area. The library offers three types of early childhood programming: baby time, toddler time and a community story time. The latter takes place on Saturday mornings and encourages multi-generational participation in songs, stories and traditional nursery rhymes. Ms. Walker Pearson said that she loves working in the new space. “It’s welcoming, inviting and inclusive, and I think there’s a bit of magic in there. It’s bright and open and it gives you a tremendous lift. We have plants and beautiful things to look at, and there’s something for children of all ages.”