Norfolk County Public Library expands programs

Julie Kent, CEO of Norfolk County Public Library, on the left, and Jennifer Carrier, community engagement coordinator at NCPL Simcoe Branch.

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

The Norfolk County Public Library (NCPL) is evolving, introducing a wide range of programs that connect residents across five branches.

Last year, the library ran more than 1,600 programs.

Julie Kent, CEO at NCPL said staff were stretched thin, even as community demand continues to rise. Data collected by the library showed strong participation and interest across all branches, but staffing shortages limited how much the current staff could offer.

“We are looking for more staff,” said Jennifer Carrier, community engagement coordinator at NCPL. “Our programs are at a level where we have goals, we have objectives to be achieved. Our staff are trained and well equipped to execute the programs, and our volunteers are great at executing some functions with the library, but our programs still require staff to be present.” 

“Libraries are very different now than they were a decade ago, a lot of that change is driven by technology,” said Kent. “We have a maker space with a 3D printer. We offer sewing classes and all sorts of programming. Outreach is really critical. We have so many resources the community can use, whether it’s for professional, recreational, or educational purposes.”

“The building is not just a room of books,” said Carrier. “When you enter the library, it does not matter your age, you can leave this space with a new idea, with a new look and you can leave with something you learned.”

PUMPKIN PALOOZA

The annual Pumpkin Palooza returns this fall at the Simcoe, Port Dover, and Port Rowan library branches on Oct.25, marking its third year with Halloween-themed games and activities for children.

The Simcoe branch will host author Hannah Mary McKinnon on Nov. 24 from 7-9 p.m. and Lego clubs are running for teens at the Delhi and Port Dover branches.

Simcoe offers weekly Board Game Nites on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.

Adults can join digital literacy sessions and a Genealogy and Ancestry workshop on Nov. 22.

All branches will also provide monthly drop-in tech workshops.

“Tech workshops are crucial,” Kent said. “No matter where you go, technology is part of everyday life, whether you’re pumping gas or checking out groceries. The cybersecurity piece is also really important; our workshops help people learn how to stay safe online. Technology is such a big part of our existence now, and these skills are essential for day-to-day living.

“We always look at what our communities want. There is only one library in the entire county and there are five locations. I view it as five beating hearts and each of these communities are unique. The library is one system and we do customize the programs based on a specific area.” 

Carrier says the library’s programming extends beyond its branches, with staff participating in local festivals, partnering with community organizations and businesses across the county. She adds that programming is one of the core mandates of a public library, ensuring that services and resources are not only available but actively brought to life through community engagement.

“I’m most excited for the opportunities that we are going to roll out for the community to come and get engaged, we really are a centre for civic engagement,” said Kent. “From an operational point of view, it’s getting people across that threshold and telling people that libraries aren't just about books, we’re about people, experiences and sharing creativity as well as that connection piece.”