Support literacy, community, and history— become a Friend of the Library

Members of the Paris Friends of the Library gathered for the annual Trail of Toonies fundraiser in May, with support from volunteers from the Optimist and Kiwanis Clubs. Proceeds help fund children’s and teen reading programs at the County of Brant Public Library.

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

Friends of the Paris Library celebrated a quarter century of kinship and support this past winter. The 25-year milestone was impressive, even more so when you consider the group’s roots stretch back to pre-amalgamation days when the Paris Public Library still existed.

When the Paris Public Library Board was dissolved during amalgamation in the late 1990s, many board members wanted to continue their support of the Paris branch. From that commitment, the Friends of the Paris Library were born—a fundraising group modeled on similar “Friends” organizations across Canada.

Over the years, their work has become woven into the fabric of the community. If you’ve ever spotted the colourful “Trail of Toonies” in downtown Paris, you’ve seen their impact in action. The annual fundraiser, temporarily relocated to the Riverside Bookshelf this spring due to downtown construction, is supported not only by the Friends but often with the helping hands of local service clubs such as the Optimists and Kiwanis.

Every toonie collected helps spark a love of reading in the community. Proceeds support the Children’s and Teen Summer Reading Clubs as well as the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program—an early literacy challenge that encourages caregivers to track books read to young children. Along the way, participants can earn milestone prizes such as board books and a book bag, helping families build a foundation for lifelong learning.

The Friends also lend their support to One Book, One Brant, an annual author visit organized by the County of Brant Library that brings hundreds of readers together each year. This year’s event drew about 250 people, underscoring the group’s commitment to making literary experiences accessible and engaging.

Beyond literacy programs, the Paris Friends have also championed the preservation of local heritage. In 2010 and again in 2019, they reprinted the much-loved history volumes At the Forks of the Grand by the late Donald Smith, a former Paris District High School principal and founding member of the Paris Historical Society. Copies are still available at local museums, bookstores, and the library—and sets are donated annually to top-achieving PDHS students in English and history.

Book lovers eagerly anticipate the Friends’ spring and fall book sales at the Paris branch, where gently used titles find new homes and proceeds circle back into library programs. Past initiatives have also included wine tours, author visits, and even car rallies—creative fundraisers that keep community spirit alive. Looking ahead, the group is preparing to fundraise for the new Paris library branch once plans move forward.

The Friends of the Paris Library are always eager to welcome new members. Monthly morning meetings held September through June at the Paris branch, last about an hour—leaving plenty of time for members to stay involved while balancing busy lives.

As they celebrate their history and look ahead to future projects, the Friends extend an open invitation: come help support your local library and shape its future.

For more information or to get involved, contact the staff at the Paris branch of the County of Brant Public Library.