Library service marks 150th anniversary
Norfolk County Public Library hit an impressive milestone earlier this year.
January 15 marked the 150th anniversary of library services in the county.
During its special anniversary year, the library will be publishing a book along with hosting events and challenges to commemorate the achievement.
The book will include anecdotes from the community and a retelling of the NCPL’s history. It’s expected to be released in the summer.
“We will have some sort of feeling about what the library actually means, the service it provides and the difference it has made in the community,” said Adam Veri, chair of the NCPL board.
The NCPL has also introduced its 150 challenges event which will engage the community to discover different services that the library has to offer.
Belinda Smith, virtual library coordinator, said that after 150 years of innovation, the library has transformed, especially within the last decade with technological advancements. Some people are unaware of the services the NCPL now provides.
“We do free tax return services and help those with financial challenges. We will continue to provide those core services that we are known for and also provide that outreach, making this a true community,” said Veri.
“We continue to adapt and provide more services and technology, there’s training on how to use the new technology, we have studios with video and recording equipment. It’s a vibrant active environment full of people and we will continue to ensure that we serve the needs of the community.”
The public is being invited to visit their branches to help celebrate the anniversary.
“What we are planning to do is that each of our five branches have had recent renovation within the last decade or more,” said Smith. “On the anniversary of the latest renovations of each branch, we are going to celebrate that branch.”
The first celebration was hosted at the Waterford branch on Feb. 3, which initiated the launch of the 150 challenges, where the community can discover 150 ways to use their library card and recognize the value of the NCPL’s services.
Other branch celebrations will take place March 31 in Port Rowan, May 10 in Port Dover, Oct. 31 in Delhi and Nov. 3 in Simcoe.
The libraries have also become community meeting places. Spaces are available to rent at the library for a low cost for the community to gather and host birthday parties, clubs, board game groups and more.
NCPL also offers summer reading programs and the Simcoe branch has a large upstairs space for children to play in.
As for weathering the pandemic challenges and what the future holds, Veri said the library board and staff will continue to push forward.
“We have come together as a board and as staff and we managed to make the best of what we can with the challenges that we faced,” he said. “Everyone did work hard, patiently, intelligently and kindly. We have all held together very well to ensure that Norfolk County got the service that they depend on.
“It’s a shining light in the county.”