Library officials are saying the county’s “world class system” will soon be getting even better, with Puslinch to be the beneficiary of imminent improvements.
Jamie Cooper, chairman of the county library board, came to Puslinch council last week to provide information on upgrades at the Puslinch library branch in Aberfoyle. He explained there has been tremendous growth in Puslinch over the last decade, which forces the need for library expansion.
He added the library board agreed the best time to proceed would be in conjunction with the construction of the township’s new $2.15-million multi-use recreational facility on the same site. Two-thirds of the cost for that facility, expected to be completed by Christmas 2010, will be covered by the federal and provincial governments.
Mayor Brad Whitcombe, chairman of the county’s information, heritage and seniors committee, of which the library board is part, said there is about $1.5-million available for the upgrades, plus additional planning funds for architectural drawings.
Whitcombe noted he is excited about the project and encouraged by the “really positive talks” at recent library board meetings.
“To me, this is the ideal spot for the community to access library services,” he said of the Puslinch community centre on Brock Road (County Road 46). He also welcomed the opportunity for the township to work in cooperation with the county on such a “great concept.”
Councillor Susan Fielding said the library upgrades are really welcome News, especially considering many locals have felt for some time a lot of their tax dollars are spent elsewhere in the county.
Citing limited hours of operation – the library is currently closed Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday – councillor Matthew Bulmer said it would be nice “if we could get more days before we get more bricks.”
Whitcombe responded, “I think we’re going to get both.” Cooper agreed, saying the library upgrades go “hand in hand” with expanded hours and improved services such as computers, children’s programs and more.
He noted the hours, which were already expanded this year, may increase next year, with the possibility of Sunday hours a few years from now.
Councillor Don McKay echoed the concerns about limited hours but said, “This is just great News.” He suggested the improvements at the Puslinch community centre include a bigger space for the OPP.
Whitcombe said the improvements may also include drilling a new well and installing new wastewater components. He noted the county is about half way from its goal of making every library branch conform to its highest standard.
“We are the envy of the rest of Ontario for the library system here in Wellington County,” Whitcombe said.
Cooper agreed, saying, “We’re a world class system in small town, rural communities.”
