Sunderland, ON – On Wednesday, MPP Laurie Scott had the chance to meet with representatives at Brock Township Public Library to hear more about the $51,900 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2022 to the Township. The grant was used to make technological accessibility upgrades, including internet hardware, meeting and programming equipment, and internet hotspots at the library.

“Libraries are integral in providing spaces for people to learn, grow and develop,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “The funds have helped the Brock Township Public Library make significant technological upgrades to help even more people access all their fantastic programs and resources.”

In addition to the new technology, the grant gave the library the capacity to develop and implement hybrid programming, offer technology-based programs, and provide outstanding outreach opportunities in the community. The library is an access point for so many people in the community, whether they are looking to access the internet, borrowing a hotspot, getting support through tech time, attending a hybrid program, looking for a place to meet, or checking out a new book.

Thanks to the $51,900 OTF grant, people will have access to reliable internet from the Library and the ability to borrow a hotspot, as well as have the opportunity to attend a program or meeting in-person or from home.

“This grant is not only improving the quality of the internet at the library, but it is improving accessibility and inclusivity at the library and in our community,” said Katie-Scarlett MacGillivray, CEO of Brock Township Public Library. “If you were not able to make it to the program tonight in-person, we now have the ability to offer programs to people online and in-person simultaneously. As well patrons can book a meeting room and use the Meeting Owl to hold their own hybrid meetings in the library. This is a very empowering grant as it fosters community connection.”

Jen Fulop, Coordinator of Outreach and Programming at the Library shared words that she has had many  “heartwarming moments.”

“Through innovative projects and initiatives, we have been able to actively involve more members of our community in the work we do, bringing us closer together and fostering a true sense of unity,” said Fulop.

With a focus on innovative and responsive services, championing diversity, equity and inclusive, community connection and collaboration, and accessibility, the Brock Township Public Library is a vibrant, responsive, and collaborative leader, providing enrichment throughout our community and beyond. To enquire about booking a meeting room, borrowing a hotspot, attending a program, or checking out a book, please contact one of its branches - Beaverton 705-426-9283, Cannington 705-432-2867, and
Sunderland 705-357-3109- or visit our website: www.brocklibraries.ca

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. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Katie-Scarlett MacGillivray, CEO
Brock Township Public Library
705-426-9283 ceo@brocklibraries.ca