On Saturday, October 16, the Meaford Public Library hosted invited guests to see the results of its work at the new, fully accessible facility, located at 11 Sykes Street North, Meaford.
Local MPP Bill Walker, Mayor Barb Clumpus, representatives from LGA Architectural Partners, a representative from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (which is an agency of the Government of Ontario), Sonja Glass, Meaford Public Library Board Chair Mike Poetker, and CAO Rob Armstrong, along with viewers who tuned into the library’s live stream, also had the opportunity to see the space.
“Congratulations to the Municipality of Meaford and people who contributed in any manner for completing this beautiful new library facility,” said MPP Bill Walker. “The community truly rallied to support this project, with hundreds of thousands of dollars raised in donations and thousands of hours of volunteer time dedicated to make it happen. Literacy and continuous learning are critical to the health and welfare of people, and this new community hub will do a wonderful job serving residents of all ages for many, many years to come.”
The event also celebrated the contributions made by library, municipal staff, volunteers, sponsors, and donors, and the Friends of the Meaford Library. The library benefited from an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant in 2019, as well as an impressive contribution by the community in excess of $900,000.
“Our thanks and words of appreciation go to the sponsors and donors at all levels for their generous gifts and encouragement that made this long-anticipated project a reality. All of this support is the result of the Meaford Public Library Fundraising Committee’s Capital Campaign. Their hard work throughout these many months has been inspiring and so very effective. Absolutely every dollar that was donated was so very much appreciated and contributed to an astounding financial contribution by the community,” said Mayor Barb Clumpus.
“We, on Council, are so proud of the way the library board has reached out to the broader community and welcomed participation from neighbours, building regional connections and making this space inclusive for everyone. This library is a community hub, a place to gather, to learn, to grow and connect. It is designed with accessibility, sustainability, and community in mind, and it is an important welcoming place for newcomers to discover their new home environment. The knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful staff welcome summer residents, campers, and day trippers to visit or take part in some of the wonderful extras on offer like maybe a fishing pole and net to enjoy an afternoon of fishing, or perhaps snowshoes to hit the trails in winter. All are welcome.”
“This new library is an asset to our community and a very important feature to our downtown, contributing positively to the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play here,” added Rob Armstrong, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of Meaford.
Learn more about all of the great programs that the library has to offer, please visit the Meaford Public Library website.
