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More Than Books: How Almaguin Libraries Serve Rural Communities
Stepping through the expansive front doors of the Emsdale Community Centre, down the brightly lit hallway, and into the Perry Township Public Library, you are immediately greeted by Peggy. Her cheerful “hello” feels like a warm hug you didn’t know you needed on a cold Almaguin winter day. Shelves brimming with books line the walls; readers settle into quiet corners, while a couple of kids play happily on the book train. Scenes like this unfold in libraries across Almaguin, where these small but vital spaces provide more than just shelves filled with books.
Winter can be a cold and isolating time for people in rural communities like Almaguin. With the hustle and bustle of the other three seasons hidden beneath the snow, Almaguin’s libraries offer community members a warm retreat to gather, socialize, and learn.
Libraries have not always served as the community hubs we know today. Early public libraries were quiet spaces, mostly dedicated to reading and self-education. From the late 1930s to the 1960s, libraries began expanding their role, adding children’s programming, literacy initiatives, and community outreach. By the 1990s, as computers and the internet became central to daily life, Ontario libraries evolved into access points for modern technology and reliable internet—especially important for rural and northern communities.
Nowadays, libraries continually adapt to meet the needs of the communities they serve. At Perry Township Library, programs like Parachute Storytime, which combines songs and parachute play, provide children (and their caregivers!) with a space to listen, learn, and stretch—particularly valuable during the middle of a cold Almaguin winter.
“These programs give people a reason to get out of the house and stay engaged with their community. We see longer visits and deeper connections during these months, which really highlights the library’s role as a safe and inclusive community hub,” says Leah Perron, CEO of Perry Township Library.
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Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson Union Public Library, which recently celebrated its 130th anniversary, is a flurry of weekly activity—with programs like LEGO Club, Puzzle Club, and in-person author readings, including Lynn Holder last September. The successful Income Tax Return Clinic, offered annually since 2014, “has made it easier for individuals with modest incomes to file their tax returns at no cost to them,” states Nieves Guijarro, Head Librarian.
However, these programs and special events wouldn’t be possible without hard-working, dedicated library staff. “We have noticed a significant increase in attendance, which I attribute to the hard work and dedication of our library staff,” says Nieves. “It is quite remarkable that we are able to accomplish all of this in a space that is both inadequate and at full capacity.”
This rings true in countless libraries across the province: chronically underfunded spaces that nonetheless create something extraordinary through staff dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to providing safe, welcoming environments.
Sundridge-Strong Library is a small but mighty corner of Almaguin, shining with that same vibrant community spirit and sustained by dedicated volunteers who help serve its patrons.
The children’s section welcomes visitors with a playful sea creature mural, a bright and comforting sight in the middle of a February snowstorm. Nestled among shelves filled with books, puzzles, Duplo, LEGO, and a children’s computer, the space creates the perfect environment for kids to play, learn, and discover.
Melinda Kent, Librarian and CEO of Sundridge-Strong Library, shares:
“One of our most popular items at the library is our LEGO sets. Families can build the sets at the library or take them home. When the sets are returned, a volunteer carefully checks each one to ensure all the pieces are there and ready for the next patron.”
There are even LEGO sets for teens and adults—ensuring no one is left out of the fun.
As Jorge Luis Borges once said, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” In Almaguin, these libraries offer a little bit of that paradise - warm, welcoming spaces where community comes together, no matter the season. As Leah Perron, CEO of Perry Township Library, beautifully puts it, “Libraries are not just about resources; they’re about relationships, trust, and community care.” Thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers, libraries like Sundridge-Strong, Perry Township, and Burk’s Falls, Armour, Ryerson Union Public Libraries are more than buildings; they are vibrant hubs where learning, play, and connection flourish. In rural communities across Ontario, these libraries are lifelines. Places where relationships are nurtured, curiosity is sparked, and everyone has a chance to belong.
So next time you’re looking for an afterschool activity for your child, hoping to explore a new hobby, or simply seeking a welcoming space to learn and connect, support your local library because these small but mighty community hubs truly make a world of difference.
Find and Follow your local library!
Perry Township Library
Instagram: perry_twplibrary
Facebook: Perry Township Public Library
Website: https://www.perrylibrary.ca/
Learn more about their programs: https://www.perrylibrary.ca/programs
Burks Falls, Armour & Ryerson Union Public Library
Instagram: @burksfallslibrary
Facebook: Burk's Falls, Armour & Ryerson Union Public Library
Website: https://www.burksfallslibrary.com/
Learn More about their programs: https://www.burksfallslibrary.com/programs
Sundridge-Strong Union Public Library
Facebook: Sundridge-Strong Union Public Library
Website: https://sundridge.olsn.ca/