MPP Announces OTF Funding To Local Public Library

Jun 21, 2023

On Friday, MPP Ric Bresee was in the Township of Addington Highlands to celebrate a $18,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for the Addington Highlands Public Library.

“Addington Highlands Library has been serving its community well for almost 90 years, and we all know that libraries today mean so much more than books. With this grant, AH Library will be able provide enhanced technology for its residents, both in the library and at home, as well as more active technology tools for kids and adults alike. I am so happy that the Ontario Trillium Fund can help our local communities to add these types of services for everyone to enjoy,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings—Lennox & Addington.

This grant has helped to recover and build resiliency from the impacts of COVID-19 by upgrading the library technology to provide the community with a larger selection of services and enhanced computer equipment for all to enjoy. In addition to a touchless hand dryer which was installed in the washroom at the Flinton Library for added protection, this grant has also enabled the library to expand their electronic resources by increasing access to downloadable books, audio books and magazines.

As many in the community do not have access to the internet at home due to service availability, the grant was also used to purchase four lendable Wi-Fi hotspots that patrons can use at home. In addition, four new public computers complete with accessible keyboards and two staff computers were purchased. With these upgraded computers the public and staff now have access to virtual learning, online training, print forms and the ability to connect with friends and family. With the addition of Cricut Maker 3’s and accessories and Lego and K’nex, both branches now have a new makerspace for both children and adults.

“The Township of Addington Highlands and the Addington Highlands Public Library Board are extremely grateful to be a recipient of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Grant. The two branches of the Addington Highlands Library are an important part of the community, and this grant will enable the continuity and enhancement of services in a safe and inclusive manner,” says Reeve Henry Hogg.

The Addington Highlands Public Library Board is committed to serving its community based on the belief that every individual has the right to equitable access to information. The Board is committed to helping people find information appropriate to their needs; concerned with the refreshment of people’s spirits by providing books for relaxation and pleasure; to promoting an open and democratic society by providing everyone with access to civilization’s thoughts, ideas, actions and expression of its creative imagination; and being a practical demonstration of our society’s belief in the value of universal education as a continuing and lifelong process.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities.