Each year, libraries across the province recognize Ontario Library Week in the third week of October. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the value of libraries in communities.  Community is key to our success at all the library branches. This week we will focus on the four smallest– Ameliasburgh, Bloomfield, Consecon and Milford.

In the north end of the County, the Ameliasburgh and Consecon Branches have long functioned as a pair, with the same librarian serving each community. The two branches are supported by one group of “Friends”, volunteers dedicated to supporting the library. They donated $1000 for large print books and $500 to the Picton Branch Expansion project. In addition to planting and maintaining the gardens, the Friends organize annual book sales. This year they held sales on Amelia’s Birthday, a community celebration organized by the Ameliasburgh Heritage Hub, as well as the August car show and Ameliasburgh Fair.  The Consecon Branch has undergone several improvements in the last years, with new shelving and a renovated foyer in the deconsecrated church building improving the space greatly. The most recent upgrade is the repainting of the front door. Gisa, the librarian, was tasked with selecting a colour and said, “The library belongs to the community, we held a poll so our patrons could choose.”  Red was the victor. The Friends also organize an annual book sale for Consecon Day.

The Bloomfield Branch has improved their outdoor space recently. Thanks to grant funding, a patio was added to create a welcoming place to sit and read or visit, with the WIFI enhanced to ensure you could use your own laptop – or borrow one from the library – to enjoy the space. A new exterior sign and notice board has helped make it easier to spot the branch. Visit the Bloomfield “Booktique”, a used book store with sales supporting the library. Find great deals and know you are supporting the library at the same time.

The Friends of the Milford Branch Library have been busy through the summer. They maintain the gardens, organize a phonics program for children, and hold a book sale each year at the Milford Fair. Thanks to a generous donation from a member of the group, they also offer a Lego table at the fair where children can build something and then, best of all, have the opportunity to take it with them when they are finished.

Each of the County’s six branches are open to you. Your library membership can be used to borrow from any branch, and materials can be returned to any branch.

-Liz Zylstra