NEWS AND EVENTS
Community Builders in Action: Lanark Highlands Public Library
The Lanark Highlands Public Library has recently grown their ability to offer high quality and diverse programs, services and collections. To a significant degree, this has been possible because of the generosity and support of the community – individuals, as well as organizations. Over the past three years, PDCF has supported the library with three grants totaling just under $11,000.
In 2022, PDCF provided funding that allowed the purchase of folding tables and stacking chairs, craft supplies and games. Seniors have gathered around the tables and played cards, strengthened bonds, laughed and even cried together. Children have piqued their curiosity and learned coding and battled robotics at these tables. Dozens of art forms, hobbies and crafts have been explored by all ages and abilities all around these tables. The tables are high quality, sturdy, comfortable and have allowed the library to more fully become an important community hub proactively encouraging literacy, communication, connectivity and creativity.
In 2023, PDCF supported the library’s Health & Wellness collection. With the grant, they purchased 151 titles. This project was a collaboration with Open Doors for Lanark Children & Youth, ConnectWell Community Health and EarlyON. Practitioners at each location had the opportunity to provide the library with a list of their most recommended resources. The library was then able to fill collection gaps, update outdated health information and respond to current trends in health. The library’s partners can now make recommendations for reading knowing that their clients can always access these materials free of charge through their local public library.
This year, PDCF provided a grant for expansion of the Library of Things and Experience collections. The focus of this grant is to acquire a collection of active lifestyle, crafting and educational items that community members may a) need only occasionally, b) need only for a short period of time or c) wish to determine whether the item meets their needs before making a purchase.
In addition to benefiting individual members of the community by saving on costs associated with purchasing and storing rarely used items, it also benefits the local environment. This project fosters the circular economy, moving away from mass consumption and accumulation of objects and towards sharing of resources and preventing waste. By offering this collection for FREE, people who may not have the means to purchase or space to store these items are provided the opportunity to be proactive in their active living, creative and educational journeys.
The library’s base has grown due to our ability to be more relevant to a greater number of people. This growth has allowed the library to realize their vision of being a welcoming, inclusive and creative space where people come to connect, discover and grow. The Lanark Highlands Public Library team of dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to enriching the community and above all else, valuing good stewardship, innovation, excellence and engagement.