A meeting last night helped guide the way for the future of the Madawaska Valley Public Library
Representatives from a number of community groups gathered at the Opeongo Seniors Center, including members of the Township. They were asked to give a wishlist of what they wanted to see the library become.
The meeting began with Library CEO Karen Filipkowski listing off the accomplishments the library has done on its last mandate. Filipkowski said that the library couldn’t implement everything due to a lack of space and resources, but was able to implement a majority of the decisions. Under the last mandate, fundraising and outreach improved. Lending services were offered to areas in Palmer Rapids and Brudenell, partnerships were strengthened with the community and hours were standardized and extended.
Much of the talk in the meeting revolved around the option of the library partnering with the Township. Many cited the “Maynooth Way” of doing things, referring to how the Hastings Highlands Public Library amalgamated with the township and as a result, delivered better service. Ideas were floated to move the library to the current municipal building, which had more space to accommodate what the library wanted to do. Ideas were also floated for more accessibility for the library as a public area.
Members still had suggestions for the library if partnering was not the case. Suggestions offered included an update on library hardware, better use of the space at hand, and an improved internet connection.
The Library’s Board chair Francis Mawson said that while the library wasn’t a priority yet for the township, it was good for them to be there. This would keep a library redevelopment in the back of their minds to pursue in the next three years. Mawson said this gave them time for the Library to fundraise and plan the expansion of the library if they were mandated to do so.