Kawartha Lakes Council covers Public Library Budget Presentation

Brandon Clark The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes held their Budget Committee Meeting, on Monday, September 29th. In attendance were, Chief Executive Officer/Library Director, Jamie Anderson and, Treasurer, Carolyn Daynes, from Kawartha Lakes Public Library, who gave a presentation overviewing their operating budget.

A chart developed by VOLT (Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit) showed an overview of the library's fianances. $1.6 million is committed to education and $218,470 is committed to culture. $249,429 is committed to inclusion and well-being while $8.5 million is committed to entertainment and leisure. $2.2 million is committed to economic development and $8,859 is committed to civic engagement. Lastly, $353,931 is committed to space. This brings the community operating budget to a total of over $13.1 million.

Support from Council allowed Kawartha Lakes Public Library to add three new staff the previous year, who have all worked remotely since then. This has led to reduced stress on staff, in addition to an improvement in promoting library services and events. Attendance has risen at the library.

“Increasing our digital library is seen by residents as a key priority for the library,” Mr. Anderson added, “This position is very much about being ready for the future.”

“Kawartha Lakes Public Library is widely recognized by our users as a valuable and welcoming resource,” Mr. Anderson explained. He noted how it was a learning space with access to essential and city services.

A recent public survey of local citizens showed: expanding programs and activities, expanding online services and resources, and increasing branch hours were the top three priorities for the library.

There are 14 library branches across Kawartha Lakes which are open six days a week. The branches are run by 12 full-time and 36 part-time staff. 195,000 visitors were welcomed, in person, at these branches in 2024, and 530,000 visitors showed up online. There have been over 730,000 interactions with patrons.

The Kawartha Lakes Public Library Branches are open all week, except for Sunday. Operating hours are from 10 a.m to 8 p.m, Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m to 5 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays.

At the Bobcaygeon branch, the library's tagline is “Millions of opportunities. One exceptional library.”