Type
Key Messages
Organizational Excellence
- 2024 Annual Report Approved: The CEO presented the 2024 Annual Report, emphasizing strong growth across several key areas. Highlights included increased participation in programs for seniors and teens, a positive social return on investment, and notable gains in circulation, donation revenue, and digital engagement, including both website visits and social media followers.
- 2025 Action Plan Approved: The Board approved the 2025 Action Plan, outlining strategic priorities and initiatives aligned with the broader goals of the Strategic Plan and informed by both local needs and global trends. A dedicated working group will develop performance measures, which will be brought forward to the Board for approval at a future meeting.
- 2025 Q1 Financials Received: The CEO presented the unaudited Q1 financials for 2025, noting potential impacts on the book budget due to tariffs. No other financial concerns were raised.
- Town/Library Collaboration: The CEO provided an update on the Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment, with a tentative date forthcoming for the Joint Council meeting where both municipalities will receive the final report. She also reported increased engagement in the second round of the Youth Climate Action Fund, with a surge in applications and over 50 students attending a civic engagement and grant writing workshop held at Georgian Bay Community School.
Community Hubs
- Space Utilization Study: The Board has requested that the CEO prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive space utilization study. This study will address ongoing space limitations at the L.E. Shore Memorial Library.
- Little Free Libraries & Food Pantry Success: The CEO reported on the continued success of the Little Free Libraries and Food Pantry initiative, launched last July in collaboration with the Town, Beaver Valley Outreach, and the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club. The program has seen enthusiastic community participation in book exchanges and pantry use. Personal hygiene items and children’s books remain in high demand. Partner organizations will continue discussions on long-term maintenance and potential expansion of the initiative.
- Extended Summer Hours at the Craigleith Heritage Depot: Beginning Tuesday, May 20, just after the long weekend, the Craigleith Heritage Depot Museum & Archive will launch its extended summer hours. Weekday visitors can now enjoy earlier access, with new hours set as follows:
Tuesday to Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: 12-4 PM
Empowering Services
- CEO Service Report Highlights: The CEO’s report featured a variety of recent initiatives and community highlights. These included popular March Break programming, the Library's first-ever Death Café, and a well-received historical presentation by the Museum Curator in partnership with the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum, spotlighting the Craigleith Ski Train. The report also acknowledged the community’s strong response to the retirement of former CEO and Library Specialist Ken Haigh, and ongoing staff development initiatives.