Waterford library branch gets a facelift

Norfolk County Public Library celebrated the official Grand Opening of the newly renovated Waterford Branch on May 1 at 15 Main Street South, Waterford. From left are Kimberly Earls, NCPL board chair; Lisa Marr; Alida Grohs; Carolyn Nordheimer; Sue Defreyne, NCPL vice chair; Norfolk Ward 7 Councillor Kim Huffman; and Julie Kent, NCPL CEO.

By Brenda Moser

Advocate Correspondent

Books can open one’s mind to so many different things and offers us, as readers, a glimpse into so many new things.

I can remember visiting our Waterford Library Branch when it was located at 19 Main Street South and the location served our town well for many years. As our town grew it was obvious that we had outgrown that location and a new facility was built at 15 Main Street South.

Over the years, as our population has grown, it was decided that some changes needed to be made. Renovations at the branch would increase energy efficiency and reimage the interior to expand the public use space within the existing footprint. One might say ‘new space, same welcome, modern design,’ reimagined for users.

You could say it is our ‘library renewed…’ with the focus on the Waterford community.

To follow through with these changes it was necessary to close the branch and set up temporary ‘digs’ at the Waterford arena. The temporary space needed a name to reflect the changes. Waterford Leaf was chosen based on the fact that it was simply a ‘leaf’ off the Waterford branch while renovations were underway.

While most of the branch’s collection of books, DVDs, magazines, etc. had to go into storage, they still offered kids’ books, audio books, DVDs, magazines and new releases. It was also possible to order copies of books from other Norfolk County Public Library branches, which could be picked up at the Leaf.

Needless to say, the changes and upgrades to the new NCPL Waterford branch were well worth the wait!

At the recent May 1st re-opening night of the new and improved Waterford branch visitors were overwhelmed and very impressed with the new facility. Breathtaking is definitely one way to describe it!

Norfolk County Public Library CEO Julie Kent addressed board trustees, councillors, county staff, library staff, contractors, designers and the community of Waterford and thanked them for their support in the project.

“Libraries and communities are often compared to gardens – places where ideas grow,” said Kent. “But tonight, I offer a different metaphor. The library system, its branches and the community are like a well-built canoe. Each of us holds a paddle. We must listen, shift our weight when needed, and paddle in rhythm to stay balanced. In this canoe, no one moves ahead alone. The only way forward is together - adjusting to the current, steady and united in direction.”

Kent has spent the last couple of years listening to others’ thoughts and ideas, at various locations and events in the community, on what they would like to see in a new library and took great care in bringing these ideas to fruition. She has drawn on those conversations and suggestions from bright, welcoming spaces, useful tools and programs that will grow with your family.

“You’ve reminded me that the library must move with you,” she said, and the new space definitely reflects that.

Kent credits branch staff with helping to shape the new space and appreciated the county’s facilities team for their exceptional project management skills in leading the project.

“I want to especially thank Sydney Clarysse, who shared the vision and helped create the opportunity for this building to enhance its spaces for energy efficiency and to expand public use space by 800 square feet - without changing the building’s envelope.”

The facelift has definitely created a more open and bright space and is so welcoming as soon as you enter through the front doors. All of this could not have taken place were it not for the library board in setting the tone, for backing the project, and for being there and standing with them every step of the way.

“We’re not finished,” said Kent. “Over the next few months we’ll add more furnishings, a ‘bring your own device bar’ and other improvements to serve you better.”

Not only has the interior received a facelift but so too will the exterior as the Waterford and District Horticultural Society will be upgrading the gardens surrounding the branch, incorporating native plants and bushes, all designed for learning and also for community care.

The new and improved library has so much more to offer the public and it is the hope of all involved that the community will make use of the upgrades and additions. Need to hold a meeting and need some space? Check with library staff to book one of the available spaces they offer with internet access, work-stations, and access to washrooms.

Kent summed up with a very fitting outlook.

“This branch is not just a building. It is a shared vessel. Together, we steer it forward.”

Congratulations on a job well done and thank you!