During what is Ontario Public Library Week, Hamilton Township Deputy Mayor Larry Williamson gave a three-month update on the new branch in Cold Springs.
Williamson pointed to statistics from the Cobourg Public Library, which operates the three township branches in Bewdley, Gores Landing and now Cold Springs.
Since the opening in July in the Cold Springs Memorial Hall, there have been 315 visits to the library, 499 items borrowed and 181 patrons have participated in 19 programs.
The Cold Springs branch is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Williamson said the hope through the budget process is to keep that the same going forward as it becomes a regular branch after starting as a pilot project.
There was also correspondence on the council agenda from Holly Barclay regarding the Cold Springs branch.
“I am a resident of Cold Springs and am writing to commend you on this pilot program. I can’t think of a more community-oriented and forward-thinking initiative. Every week I take my father (also a resident of Cold Springs) and my two young children to the library. While we are at the library we run into our neighbours and my son’s classmates, we play games, do crafts, pick out books, and enjoy the air conditioning! We love ordering our books from CPL to the Cold Springs branch. Having a destination like the library in our community makes Cold Springs feel more vibrant. Wednesday afternoons have become a highlight of our week. My father can no longer drive, and he loves having somewhere local he can walk to and spend time. It truly is enriching to our quality of life.”
Barclay also stated she hopes “Hamilton Township council continues to support this project and makes the Cold Springs library a permanent branch of the Cobourg library. There is so much possibility in a space like this to enrich our community. I urge you to continue funding the Cold Springs branch, and to increase your funding to allow for additional hours and expanded programming. It is an investment in our community, and a wonderful legacy for this council.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
