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

Revitalizing Accessibility

852 Melrose Rd RR 1 ShannonvilleK0K 3A0

What is this project about?

The goal of our Project, Revitalizing Accessibility is to continue serving our rural community by increasing the accessibility of program delivery and advancing the capabilities of what our rural library can do! As a community –based activity center we promote literacy and provide all residents of the Township with access to information, we are also the central gathering place for everyone who calls Tyendinaga Township home. The resiliency of Libraries in today’s world is being aware of how to shift to better serve your community. Post pandemic, the libraries focus has been to adapt and grow alongside our rural community as the needs of residents have shifted.

The reality of today’s world, and the knowledge of how quickly our day-to-day existence can change i.e. The Pandemic; has shown that the Library in Tyendinaga Township is an important and valued piece to Residents livelihoods. Over the past year, the Library has been diligent to improve technology to grow and adapt with their needs of our rural community.

The Revitalizing Accessibility Project begins at home with our Patrons who are looking for information whether on our website or through our online Library Catalogue. This part of the project is to maximize the outreach of our Library’s Services. The goal is to offer a professional and accessible delivery of Tyendinaga Township Public Library services before the Patron walks through our doors. At present, our library catalogue is inaccessible online and our website does not meet current AODA requirements. This part of our project will enhance Patron experience. We have learned from the Pandemic how to better serve our community outside of regular business hours.

The Revitalizing Accessibility Project would also allow the Library to upgrade our delivery of programs to build upon our unique role in our rural community. As a community based-activity center we are often a meeting place for friends and neighbours. Often the library is the first place new residents of the Township come to build their community and to access information. Having materials ready to borrow that are current is a priority and goes a long way in providing meaningful service.

The Revitalizing Accessibility Project will benefit all Library Patrons. We already know our library is a gem in our community. With the addition of updated technology for workshops (SMART TV, blue tooth speaker) and mobile furniture to keep space as flexible as possible in the ever changing atmosphere of rural library programming, the possibilities are endless. Our space is utilized to meet the diverse needs our community, it is already a welcoming learning environment, with the present resources utilized and sometimes exhausted! The Revitalizing Accessibility Project grant would enhance the capabilities of future program delivery and meet the needs of external community groups as a reserved space and resource. There are some days where we arrange and rearrange to meet the needs of our diverse program users!

Why is this project important to the community?

The Revitalizing Accessibility Project is important to the community of Tyendinaga Township because it offers the chance to bring new ways for residents/library patrons to engage with the Library, whether our doors are open or not. With an updated website and catalogue technology, new to the library and existing Patrons can search reserve and recommend materials from the comfort of their home. Throughout our busy lives, convenience of accessibility goes a long way in retaining Patron relationships and welcoming new Patrons to our library community. The Tyendinaga Township Public Library is part of the Provincial Online Consortium (borrowing materials between other Ontario Public Libraries) – the updated catalogue system will allow both Patron and Staff member greater access to this invaluable extension to library services. In addition, this Project will allow the Library to make significant updates and additions to our website to meet current AODA requirements in Ontario. Plus, it will also give our library a professional, yet user-friendly aesthetic. As the library itself adapts to the ever changing role of a “public library in 2023” in a growing, and vibrant, rural community; revitalizing accessibility of program delivery and advancing our capabilities allows our programs to thrive. It also allows our programs to remain at no cost or low cost as we continue to promote community engagement and lifelong learning. Providing a safe, accessible location for community programs promotes positive mental health and wellness, inclusion and a sense of belonging. A highlight in our day is when children come to the library to “just hang out” – we endeavour to revitalize our cozy, rural library to enhance their experience. We focus our children’s library programming around the concept of “an invitation to play” or “children lead” The Project will re-energize community connections. With flexible workshop furniture and access to technology to enhance learning, we look forward to what opportunities will become available.