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Mayor John Lessif was front and centre as both MC and celebrant as Tillsonburg grandly re-opened its newly-revamped public library.
“This is a great day for our community,” said the mayor Thursday evening inside a facility his vision and drive helped recreate.
Lessif referred to council’s ‘bold decision’ to move ahead with library services, based on the expectations of the community.
“Gathering here today, I’d say we met and exceeded those expectations.”
The renovation process, in conjunction with joining the Oxford County Public Library system, took roughly seven months to complete said Lessif, and has been well received by members.
“As are the services offered here.”
MP Dave MacKenzie was on hand to represent Oxford, his presence also a subtle reminder of significant federal infrastructure funding which helped move the renovation project forward.
“Can I tell the crowd my arm still hurts from all the twisting?” he quipped to Mayor Lessif.
“Get ready for the next twist,” the latter rejoined with a smile.
MacKenzie compared the former library to an old, comfortable pair of shoes, one may be reluctant to change due to that comfort factor.
“It was a comfortable place, but it needed change,” he said, noting the whole genre of library has changed from what it was, but a contemporary facility may still well be a backbone for its community.
“Hopefully you’ll turn it into the next generation of library.”
MacKenzie underlined the constant nature of change, admitting he might not be around when Tillsonburg’s next generation of library takes shape.
“But I’m certainly happy to be here tonight.”
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman was also pleased to be in attendance, noting his previous visit to Tillsonburg’s library had been on the eve of the rebuild, equitable in some manner to a wake for a beloved, if dated facility.
“If that was a wake, this must be Easter and rebirth.”
Hardeman expressed his belief the renovation project had raised expectations for providing quality service Tillsonburg requires, in a cost-effective manner – and looking around at the end result, believed those expectations had been met.
“Here it is,” he declared.
Hardeman said the original vision of library services in Oxford had included separate entities in both Woodstock and Tillsonburg. But he suggested Tillonburg’s inclusion in the broader county system was a step forward in the restructuring of Oxford County, and a best outcome that was a benefit not only to the residents of Tillsonburg, but also an improvement to the county system as well.
“Dare I say it in this time of restructuring, bigger is better.”
Ontario Trillium Foundation representative Bob McFarland said the $40,400 grant provided to the library is not huge in the big picture, but did provide for items including a reading corral and furniture.
“What it did get you is a lot of the nice little amenities.”
McFarland also spoke to the ‘community’ component of a library, noting that aspect very much dovetails with the OTF’s mandate.
“It (a library) is a centre for your community life and it will be for a long time to come.”
Chair of the Oxford Board Margaret Lupton congratulated community members for handling the transition process so well, and welcomed them into their new library home.
“Very soon it will be as familiar and welcoming to you as the previous area you enjoyed and loved for so many years.”
Over 3,000 new cards have been issued Lupton said, usage is increasing and many new projects launched.
“And more are being developed.”
Lupton credited the project’s completion to a wide variety of support, governmental and otherwise, including a contribution for a reading tree from Mayor Lessif and wife Liz; and a community mural courtesy of local artist Ches Sulkowski, funded by The Knights of Columbus. Further opportunities including a donor wall and naming opportunities will be available, Lupton continued, extending thanks to all contributions to the project, and the effort expended getting to this point.
“And for creating such a welcoming space for people to use and enjoy.”
Lupton had included the caveat that a library is never really finished, and is in effect, an ongoing work in progress.
Lisa Miettinen, CEO/Chief Librarian Oxford County Library thanked the community for being part of the process via valuable input and feedback, much of which was incorporated into the project.
“That was really impressive and very important.”
Echoing Lupton’s views on the fact a library is a constantly evolving entity, Miettinen indicated this conduit to the community will remain wide open as the process moves forward.
“We will always be looking for ways to make this a better place,” she concluded.