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Photographed left to right: Jennifer Carey, Jonathan Morgan & Company Limited; Michael Cooper, Port Colborne Public Library Board Chair; Susan Therrien, Director of Library Services, Port Colborne Public Library; Scott Luey, CAO, City of Port Colborne
On Mar. 25, 2022, the Port Colborne Public Library celebrated the completion of projects made possible with the help of a $121,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). This grant, awarded to the City of Port Colborne in 2021, supported critical improvements at the library. The library unveiled its enhanced interior public spaces on Friday featuring a new service desk, accessible public workstations and study areas. The funding increased the number of areas at the library where the community can meet, connect and study with enhanced accessibility, increased capacity and safety.
“I know library staff worked very hard in making this expansion a reality,” said Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch. “It opens the doors for new activities and programs. The library is a major hub for the people of Port Colborne and this new layout focuses on improved services for the community.”
COVID-19 impacted the library’s ability to maintain and expand services. The layout of the library’s public service points and placement of public-access equipment further complicated the library’s ability to recover, meet capacity levels, add new programs and services, and increase participation. The renovation project and the addition of private and collaborative study areas help remove barriers and make the library a more inclusive, safe, and accessible place.
“The enhancements to our library made possible by the OTF have created a welcoming and inclusive space for not only our residents but visitors too,” said Mayor Bill Steele.
“The OTF grant will have a huge impact on the library’s ability to provide new and vibrant programs. The placement of the new service desk, the addition of so many new public workstations, and adding private and collaborative meeting spaces makes the library more inclusive and accessible,” said Michael Cooper, Chair of the Port Colborne Public Library Board. “Our priority is serving our community and we are confident that our patrons are going to love the new spaces.”
The Port Colborne Public Library serves the City of Port Colborne to enrich, empower and educate. The library is dedicated to meeting the needs of its user communities with great books, services, programs and resources. The Port Colborne Public Library is a welcoming space for all. For more information on library services and upcoming events, call the Library at 905-834-6512 or email library@portcolborne.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non‐profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non‐profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID‐19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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