Talks sought on future of Lambton County’s Shetland library

Lambton County Library officials want to discuss the future of one of the system’s smallest branches.

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The Shetland library branch, one of two in Dawn-Euphemia Township, is undersized and doesn’t have an accessible entrance, service desk or washroom, the county library said. It also lacks onsite parking and space for programs.

It’s one of the library system locations identified needing attention by a facilities review which has called for more space for the service in the coming decades, including exploring new buildings and consolidations in several locations.

County councillors, meeting this week as a committee of the whole, backed several steps recommended under the review process, including holding discussions with the township about options for the Shetland library building that opened in 1948. The recommendation to begin talks could be approved when county council meets Feb. 5.

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The county library provides books, staff and programs for branches located in 25 facilities provided by Lambton’s 11 municipalities.

“We know the Shetland Library does have a few deficiencies, but it served our community well for decades,” said Mayor Alan Broad. “I remember going there as a kid.”

Residents needing barrier-free service can use the township’s other branch in the Florence community center, he said. “We have some options available.”

Broad said township council and staff will meet with county library officials to review the facilities report, “and make some changes, if possible.”

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Andrew Meyer, the county’s cultural services general manager, said concerns at the building include a ramp at the door that doesn’t meet the building code.

The site’s small “footprint” eliminates opportunities for accessibility improvements, plus interior finishes are worn and in need of replacement, the report said.

“Preventing access to the building by rodents is a challenge, and the exterior of the building requires regular maintenance to eliminate insect debris and overgrown vegetation,” it said.

“Our staff work incredibly hard to use the space to the best of their ability, and we’ve got an active group of library users,” Meyer said.

“We’ve got a solid collection there but we’re constrained in terms of programming space and accessibility so the library can be accessed by all patrons,” he said.

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Discussions with the township could consider several options, Meyer said.

“Is there an opportunity to enhance the existing building and site to make it accessible and increase its footprint, to allow for public programming? Or are there options to provide an alternative service delivery model that we haven’t considered.”

Closing Shetland “and enhancing our offerings at the nearby Florence site” are also possibilities, Meyer said.

“Needs of libraries are changing,” he said. “They’re more than just books. People are coming to us looking for programming.”

Some county library branches now have dedicated rooms available for private meetings between residents and social service providers, as well as other uses.

“We’re looking to work with our municipalities to really enhance library spaces so we can offer the best public services to the residents,” Meyer said.

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