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Tottenham branch of NTPL celebrates grand opening

July 9, 2022   ·   0 Comments

It has been over a year since the Pam Kirkpatrick branch of the New Tecumseth Public Library first opened its doors at the new location at the Tottenham Community Centre, however the official grand opening was held on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

When the pandemic hit, the library had to put its grand opening on hold to comply with public safety measures and not have events with a crowd.

The branch was relocated after approximately 11 years at its temporary location at the Tottenham Mall.

That location was chosen after the previous building on Queen Street was deemed hazardous and not fit for a public venue.

Visitors to the new branch are greeted by a large open space with plenty of windows to let the light shine in. The branch also has some unique new features to assist patrons as well as provide some exciting new activities.

“During the pandemic, depending on what the rules were at the time, if we had to keep the doors closed we would still do curbside service for patrons,” explained Jessica Mole, New Tecumseth Public Library CEO, of maintaining service during the pandemic. “They could put things on hold, by either calling or through our on-line catalogue. We would put it together and bring it to the door for them. Once the rules changed, we could offer more than curbside and we had the computers open. We let people browse. One of the main advantages at the new branch is we have more space, both inside and outside, and the fact that we are connected right to the community centre.”

One new feature at the new branch which is becoming quite the success is the “maker space.”

This is a room at the library which features 3-d printers, a laser vinyl cutter, and other craft making tools.

The room was made possible by the Tottenham Community Recreation Improvement Committee (CRIC) which holds annual fundraisers in the town for local projects.

“The big thing is the CRIC Idea Lab, which is a ‘maker space,’ Ms. Mole explained. “A lot of libraries and schools now have one – it’s for anyone to come in and try different skills on many different machines. We have a special printer that cuts very precisely, you can cut vinyl with it and iron it on a shirt. We have two 3D printers. Our biggest thing is the laser cutter. CRIC gave us a very good donation for this.”

The new branch location has become a hub for activity in the community.

By Brian Lockhart

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