Pending approval, new larger library coming to Mt. Elgin

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

At its meeting on March 25, the Oxford County Library Board strongly endorsed a new larger library for Mount Elgin to be located in the proposed new municipal office.

The proposal would more than double the size of the current branch located in the Mount Elgin Community Centre, and would provide a modern, integrated community space, improve programming, collections, and accessibility for residents in Mount Elgin and surrounding areas.

Mount Elgin is experiencing population growth with projections increasing to over 2,100 residents by 2036. The existing library branch is significantly undersized (approximately 676–800 square-feet), and does not meet current service level guidelines. The concept plans for the new location identify over 2,000 square-feet of space for library use and storage.

Estimated future lease costs of the new facility would be approximately $26,000,

indexed annually, compared to the current lease of $4,685. Additional one-time capital costs are also anticipated for furniture and shelving ($115,000), collection expansion ($25,000), and IT infrastructure ($5,000–$10,000). These costs would be the responsibility of Oxford County.

Occupancy is estimated for 2028, and will be subject to Oxford County budget processes and final approvals.

South-West Oxford (SWOX) township staff have prepared a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for ongoing collaboration between the township, Oxford County and the library board.

SWOX council endorsed the draft MOU at its May 19 meeting and authorized the mayor and the chief administrative officer (CAO) to execute the agreement, subject to any minor administrative or legal revisions satisfactory to the CAO and Chief Librarian of the Oxford County Library.

A formal lease agreement will be negotiated and brought forward for future approval by all parties.

The new library is projected to be located on the north end of the lower level of the new municipal building with the daycare on the south end. The municipal office will be located on the second floor. The library would be lower than the daycare to help with grade changes across the site and would have a higher ceiling so the second story municipal office could be on the same elevation. Council chamber would be located on the north end of the second story.