The L.E.A.F. Initiative is a Commonwell program to support capacity, resiliency and growth in the communities we call home.

Lindsay Library Creativity Lab

190 Kent Street West LindsayK9V 2Y6

Target Completion Date: June 30, 2026

What is this project about?

With space in the library building being vacated by the Lindsay Gallery, we hope to develop an area where people can come to work, learn and share skills. We would like to install private work pods along the south wall of the space which will allow for quiet, private, and comfortable space for individuals seeking an optimal environment for work, study, or virtual meetings. One of the pods will be fully accessible, ensuring that all members of the community, including those with disabilities, have access to this valuable resource.
In the centre of the space will be a common area with mobile furniture that will keep the space as flexible as possible. At times, this space will be used for STEAM and technology-based library programs for participants of all ages. Other times, it will be an open creative space where library patrons and members of the public can access materials and resources to explore their creativity and hand-on learning with all the latest tools and equipment.
Finally, the library wishes to offer a Memory Lab in this space where residents can access equipment to convert old photographs, VHS tapes, vinyl records, or audio cassettes into digital formats. Members of the public would be able to work on this at their own pace or have Library staff provide instruction on how to use the various pieces of equipment.
With a working title of The Lindsay Library Creativity Lab, the library aims to have this new space provide library patrons and members of the community with the appropriate learning environment and resources to develop technology skills, engage with new and emerging technology, and preserve the past for the future. The library’s goal is to offer programs and resources here for personal, educational, recreational and cultural enrichment to members of the community of all ages.

Why is this project important to the community?

The library is a safe and welcoming space for all members of the community. Access to the library, its services and programs is free which has become a very rare concept in this day and age. Offering dedicated space for learners, workers and entrepreneurs in our community will further promote a productive and inclusive atmosphere while encouraging individual learning and professional development. This proposed new space will bring together individuals with diverse skills and interests, fostering collaboration and building connections that reinforce the library’s place as a true community hub. The installation of a Memory Lab at the Lindsay library branch will enhance the cultural, educational, and social fabric of the community, making it a valuable resource for all. Giving members of the community the training, space and resources to digitize and preserve personal and family history will ensure that stories and experiences are not lost to time. A richer understanding of the shared and individual histories of community members will foster engagement among residents and strengthen community bonds.