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Library receives federal funding

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Thanks to federal funding, the Tillsonburg branch of the Oxford County Library system is one step closer to completing some needed renovations.

In a press conference held Tuesday afternoon, Member of Parliament for Oxford, Dave MacKenzie announced that the local facility will receive $276, 723 in upgrades through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

“It is a great partnership between the County and the Town, it’ll enhance the library,” said MacKenzie. “When you look at what a library means to a community, it’s so important. People are looking for new things in libraries and I know that that’s already happened here – they’ve already begun to make some changes.

“It’ll be a wonderful thing for the community and I think it’s just a win, win, win.”

MacKenzie made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and was joined by Tillsonburg Mayor John Lessif and Oxford County Warden Don McKay for the announcement Tuesday afternoon.

“This is great news for our community and will go a long way toward providing a rejuvenated library facility and enhanced services for our residents,” said mayor John Lessif. “This is in my view an historic move for our library to the County library and it is an historic event for our community.”

Tillsonburg joined the Oxford County Library system on January 1, 2013 and is currently operating from a temporary location at 164 Broadway, Unit #6 to allow for renovations at the Library Lane location.

“The existing library building does not meet Ontario Building Code requirements in several areas,” explained Oxford Warden Don McKay. “So we’ll be addressing those issues, as well as making the facility more accessible with barrier-free washrooms.”

Other planned improvements include insulating exterior walls, replacing windows and replacing the flooring and carpet, paint and ceiling tiles, which includes lowering the library ceiling by approximately five feet. The renovated branch will also feature a state-of-the-art technology lab, quiet study room as well as a 410 square foot addition dedicated to local history.

“Library visitors can expect to see more cozy places to read, a hot beverage bar and a children’s section filled with toys and interactive educational activities,” added Oxford County Library CEO, Lisa Miettinen.

Chair of the Oxford County Library Board, Margaret Lupton, was pleased to see the community receive the much needed funding and the positive changes and upgrades that will help make the Tillsonburg branch of the Oxford County Library an enjoyable place for all.

“This funding will certainly assist the County in providing a high quality library facility to the residents of the Tillsonburg area,” said Lupton. “We’re all looking forward to seeing the finished product.”

 

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