Growth strategy positions library as key partner in community development

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A new 10-year growth strategy aims to ensure the local library system keeps pace with a growing and evolving community, but officials say action is needed soon, as existing space and staffing levels are being stretched to their limits.

At the February 10th Committee of the Whole meeting, council received a presentation outlining the 2026–2036 Growth Management Plan for the Kawartha Lakes Public Library. The plan was presented by Library Director and CEO Jamie Anderson, alongside consultants Mila Dechef-Tweddle and Zoe Brown of Nordicity.

The strategy outlines a vision of the library as a celebrated community hub which connects people, builds skills, and enriches life across the municipality. But Mr. Anderson told council reaching that vision will require thoughtful growth and investment.

“Our library is operating near the limits of its existing space and staffing,” Mr. Anderson said. “That’s a testament to how much the community values and uses our services, but it also means we need to build capacity if we’re going to meet future demand.”

The plan is built around three strategic priorities: building capacity, enhancing service, and improving and expanding spaces.

Building capacity includes strengthening governance and leadership, investing in a skilled and well-supported workforce, refreshing the library’s memorandum of understanding with the City, and improving succession planning and professional development. The strategy also calls for the development of a system-wide service model with clear criteria for different branch types to ensure equitable service across the municipality.

Ms. Dechef-Tweddle said the library already plays an essential role in civic life and education, and the plan positions it as an even stronger municipal partner over the next decade.

“Libraries today are about far more than books,” she said. “They are about digital literacy, community connection, lifelong learning and inclusive programming. Kawartha Lakes has an opportunity to build on that foundation in a very intentional way.”

Enhancing service will involve expanding collections to better reflect community identities and needs, strengthening marketing and outreach, collaborating more closely with municipal and community partners, and supporting digital literacy and technology assistance. Ms. Brown noted, as communities grow and change, expectations of public spaces shift as well.

“Residents are looking for welcoming, flexible places where they can gather, learn and access services,” Ms. Brown said. “The strategy ensures the library can respond to those expectations in a sustainable and equitable way.”

Perhaps the most ambitious element of the plan is a recommendation to build a new central hub branch to anchor the system. The strategy also calls for improving accessibility and flexibility across existing branches, ensuring facilities are adaptable and sustainable, and highlighting the local character and natural environment of each community.

Mr. Anderson said the goal is not to lose what residents already value, but to strengthen it.

“We want to sustain the strengths our patrons appreciate today while preparing for the opportunities and growth of tomorrow,” he said. “This is about ensuring the library remains a cornerstone of community life.”

Mayor Doug Elmslie praised the forward-looking approach.

“Our library system is one of the most visible and valued services we provide,” Mayor Elmslie said. “Planning ahead for growth is critical. This strategy recognizes libraries are essential infrastructure for education, economic development, and community well-being.”

If adopted, the 10-year plan will guide how the library system evolves, physically and programmatically, as Kawartha Lakes continues to grow, ensuring it remains a place where residents can connect, discover and belong.