April 20, 2022
Pictured, Director of Library Services Karen Franklin, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and District Supervisor Jenna Lamarche in the children’s section at the Winchester Branch of the SDG Library.
A good book can fix just about anything - except old carpet and fading paint. The Winchester Branch of the SDG Library has been given a new lease on life. The Township of North Dundas and SDG Library came together to renovate and update the space, to make it more welcoming and accessible.
The renovations started in February and wrapped up just in time for the Winchester Branch to open its doors for March Break. Updates include: new flooring installed throughout, a fresh coat of paint, upgrades to the bathrooms, repairing broken/stained ceiling tiles and replacing lights.
“Our patrons have commented that it’s bright, modern and actually looks more spacious,” says Jenna Lamarche, SDG Library District Supervisor. “These improvements are going to be appreciated for years to come.”
The Township, which owns the building, contributed funds and manpower to the project. SDG Library also raised money for the renovations and thanks its patrons for pitching in.
“This community is definitely invested in the library,” notes Jenna. “The contractors were phenomenal and Township staff were very responsive and helpful.”
The Winchester Branch boasts the largest children’s section in the entire SDG Library system, which includes 15 branches across the county. You can also find more than books; the SDG Library offers museum passes and an extensive lending library, which includes musical instruments and mobile internet hotspot devices.
“The Winchester Branch is welcoming, professional, clean and spacious,” explains Karen Franklin, Director of Library Services.
“I’m really impressed by how good the Winchester Branch looks,” says Mayor Tony Fraser. “It’s hard to believe this space was never intended to house a library. And the staff here are so friendly and welcoming.”
SDG Library operates three branches in North Dundas: Winchester, Chesterville and South Mountain. The Winchester Branch, located at 547 St. Lawrence Street, is open from Monday to Saturday. For more information about SDG Library, visit sdglibrary.ca.
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Pictured, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser tests out the new self-checkout machine at the Winchester Branch of the SDG Library.