In 2024, the Library finalized its 2024-25 agility plan. This plan sets out the Library’s mission, vision, desired outcomes and priority action items for the next two years. Areas of focus include fostering community, raising the profile of the library and continuing to make the library a hub for social connections and programs that meet our community’s needs.
With support from the Perth & District Community Foundation, Queer Connection Lanark and the Library offered a monthly speaker series called “Lanark Speaks”, which featured 2SLGBTQI+ community members and a range of topics.
“Thank you for the important, substantive and transformative ways you contribute to community!”
– Victoria
The Library and The Table Community Food Centre piloted offering Community Navigator services at the library. While the pilot did not continue, the Library deepened our partnership with The Table and continue to refer patrons regularly to the Navigators. The Library also launched a Community Resources Directory for the public to find services in our community.
The TD Summer Reading Club was a success, with 2,792 books read by participating children. The Library also participated in the award-winning Around the World in 90 Days Reading Challenge, initiated by the Pembroke Public Library and the 2024 Lanark STEM program, which provides 75 hours of STEM programming per library in Lanark County.
122 kids received help with reading as part of the Library’s literacy programs in 2024
Other well-attended programs of note included beading workshops with Shelley Bourgeois, ongoing class visits, Storytime, and Library After Dark with Jeremy Lyall in November.
Needed maintenance was completed on the Library’s second story roof in 2024. Minor repairs were made, the roof was fully repainted, and the solar panels repaired and reinstalled. Additional lighting was installed in the library’s garden and the downstairs bathrooms were refreshed with new paint and fixtures.
82,879 visits
1,285 meeting room bookings
7,859 computer sessions
144,634 books, eBooks, and more borrowed
537 programs offered
5,448 program attendance
The library is an essential community facility because:
- the library is a vibrant community hub that draws people together and inspires community connections.
- it is a place for all ages: seniors whose only personal contact in a day might be the library staff; parents and children visiting, reading, and picking out books together; teens hanging out after school.
- if you’re on a limited income, there is a significant value in access to technology and books. The library bridges the digital divide by providing Internet access, lending laptops, hotspots, and more, and helps people learn how to use technology through tutoring programs.
In 2024, our community members visited the library over 82,000 times to use computers, meeting rooms, and borrow over 144,000 books, eBooks, and more.
Where the money comes from:
Funding Municipalities:
Perth: $276,912
TVT: $205,706
DNE: $212,774
Provincial Operating Grant: $42,817
Other grants: $27,776
Donations: $73,278
General Revenue: $49,257
Where the money goes:
Staff, Benefits, Training: $596,199
Collections: $92,596
Literacy Programs & Activities: $44,398
Building & Insurance: $92,970
Fire Hall Lease & Operations: $3,173
Technology: $13,026
Supplies: $22,134
Thank you!
… to our funding municipalities: Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Tay Valley
… to our board members and more than 40 volunteers
… to our community partners and local businesses
… to our fundraising partners: Friends of the Library, Film Club Fridays, and all of our supportive community members
and most of all to you, our library users!
Library Board (2023-2026)
Tara Langford, TVT – Board Chair
Gary Waterfield, ToP – Councillor
Patricia Mertins, ToP
Deborah Hamilton-Foley, ToP
Paul Coutts, DNE – Councillor/Property Committee Chair
Lillian Logan, DNE
Ted Parkinson, DNE – Policy Committee Chair
Korrine Jordan, TVT – Councillor
Dawn Palmer, TVT
Lynn Marsh – Secretary/Treasurer
The Library Board extends thanks to all Board members who served in 2024:
Andrew Kendrick, TVT (served 2023-2024)
Library Staff
CEO: Erika Heesen
Coordinator – Customer Service: Julie Hansen
Children’s Library Specialist: Heidi Taber
Adult & Senior Library Specialist: Emily Fournier
Library Assistants: Laurie Murray, Jennifer Bain, Kendra Miller
Pages: Orria Nielsen (Jan-June), Rachel Warren, Ashwen Foster (July-Dec)
Caretaker: Paul Kirkham