County of Brant Public Library budget highlights growth, rising pressures

Rows of books fill the County of Brant Public Library, which operates five branches across the county and is proposing a $3.19-million net levy as part of its 2026 operating budget. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant Public Library is proposing an 8.1 per cent increase to its net levy in 2026, driven largely by staffing costs, inflation and facility maintenance, as council begins detailed budget deliberations for the year ahead.

The proposed library budget was part of the 2026 budget package presented by Mayor David Bailey during a special council meeting on Jan. 22. Amendments and further discussion are scheduled for Feb. 5, with final adoption of the overall county budget expected Feb. 15.

According to the budget report, the library’s net levy would rise from $2.95 million in 2025 to approximately $3.19 million in 2026, an increase of $239,790, or 8.1 per cent.

Total operating expenditures for the library are projected at $3.27 million in 2026, up from $3.02 million the previous year. Salaries, wages and benefits remain the largest cost pressure, increasing by about $201,565, or 8.6 per cent, reflecting market adjustments and benefit costs. Materials and supplies are also expected to rise by 6.2 per cent, while contracted services would increase by 6.8 per cent.

On the revenue side, the library anticipates modest growth. Total revenues are projected at $75,550, a 5.4 per cent increase over 2025, largely due to higher fees and service charges and increased other revenues. Provincial and federal grant funding is expected to remain flat at $50,550.

The County of Brant Public Library operates five branch locations across the county and provides both in-person and online services. The division employs 22.5 full-time equivalent staff.

The report highlights several accomplishments in 2025, including receiving the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and ranking first among comparable library systems for cardholders and circulation per capita. Programming for children and teens was also expanded over the past year.

Looking ahead, the library has identified advancing the proposed new Central Library project as a key 2026 priority, along with expanding services for seniors and newcomers in response to population growth. Long- and short-range planning initiatives, including a new strategic plan, service review and master plan, are also slated for the coming year. Council will review potential changes to the library budget alongside other departmental budgets during deliberations on Feb. 5. Any approved amendments would be incorporated into the final 2026 budget package, which council is expected to adopt later in February.