Recent renovations and upgrades completed at the historic Watford Library are being celebrated.
Members of the County of Lambton and Township of Warwick gathered on Thursday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"It's our last operating public library in a Carnegie library, so it's really special to be surrounded by the historic atmosphere of one of our oldest buildings," said Lambton County Manager for Library Services Darlene Coke.
The branch officially reopened to the public on October 19, after it temporarily closed in August.
The two-phased project was a shared undertaking between the County of Lambton and Township of Warwick.
"The County of Lambton made an investment in a new accessible service desk, new mobile shelving, created some new meeting spaces -- which included new flooring and painting, some new AV (audio-visual) equipment, and an additional public computer workstation. The township completed earlier this spring some important foundation and masonry work, and they also completed new lighting and painting and ceiling and wall repairs."
Coke said the county's portion came in on budget at $160,000, while the township had earmarked $120,000 for the project.
"Certainly this renovation modernized the space and created some more flexibility in how we use the space, so I would anticipate that we'll all be able to enjoy it for several decades to come," Coke said.
Nearly 650 people with Lambton County library cards identified the Watford branch as their primary location. Coke also said 199 programs were offered at the Watford Library last year, with 1,256 people in attendance.
"Last year we circulated just over 12,000 items at Watford Library," she said.
The reopening celebration coincided with Ontario Public Library Week, which runs from October 18 to October 24.
"This is a great time to think about the impact that local libraries provide to their communities and that they are great places to learn and grow and discover, and we're always happy to welcome new folks to the library," Coke said.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to recognize the building's history as part of a partnership with Lambton County Archives and the Watford and District Historical Society.
“Watford Library is an important part of our community's history and its future,” said Warwick Mayor Todd Case in a media release.
His sentiments were echoed by Warden Kevin Marriott.
“Watford Library has been part of this community for generations, and this investment ensures it will continue to be a place where residents can learn, connect and discover,” said Marriott.
