FAQ: the need for expanded library service in Newmarket
How does our current library compare to other communities?
The Newmarket Public Library is approximately 35,000 square feet, including administration and technical offices. Given our Town’s current population, the library provides roughly 0.4 square feet of space, per capita. In Ontario, standard library space per capita is 0.6 to 1.0 square feet, making us among the smallest libraries per capita in the province. We also spend less per capita on library services than successful libraries in similar-sized communities.
What do we need more library space for?
The current library at 438 Park Avenue is crowded, has limited parking, and there’s not nearly enough space to provide all the programs, events, activities, exhibits and meeting/collaboration spaces that our customers demand. To highlight one example of our limited space: out of desperation to find space, our new Maker Hub had to be located in what used to be a small storage room.
The proposed options for expanding library space in Newmarket are to create a new, larger central library to replace the existing one, or to keep our current location and also build a new branch to serve another area of town.
How did we get to being the smallest library among our neighbours?
Library service in Newmarket has historically been underfunded and the facilities small. Most communities build new libraries by collecting Development Charges (DC) on new homes built. But DC rates are based on the historical level of service. If that level is low, it takes a very long time to gather enough money for a new library. Currently the Library has only about $2.5 million in DC reserves.
What has been done so far?
In June 2016, the Library Board and Town Council held a workshop exploring future library facilities options. In September 2016, the Library Board voted to use existing funds to commission a study on future facility needs and options. Council was asked for their support in May 2017, and at that time they felt that it was important to first do an efficiencies review of library operations. This review is now complete, and Council is in the process of making a decision on next steps.
Why are public libraries still important?
Some people believe that the internet has made public libraries no longer relevant. In fact, despite the explosion of the internet, libraries are thriving in our neighbouring towns and cities. For example, the Markham Public Library has built 3 new branches over the last 10 years, with their most recent branch (Aaniin Library) opening its doors to the public in December 2017. Likewise, The City of Vaughan is also investing heavily in the expansion of their library services, and recently opened the new state-of-the-art Civic Centre Resource Library in September 2017.
Libraries are not just about books. Our service portfolio has expanded immensely over the last twenty years, and we now offer a wide range of services for all ages, including but not limited to: instructor-led education programs, community conversation programs, drop-in technology help services, design and maker spaces, job-finding services, and much more. Our collection of digital books, movies, music and magazines has also expanded significantly, ready for you to download to your devices, free of cost, anytime, 24-7!
Public libraries are the only place in a community that is truly democratic. We were founded on the principle that every individual, despite their social, political or economic background, should be treated as equals within our walls and have free access to the information and learning opportunities needed to live a fulfilling life, at all stages of the life cycle. This is truly something special and valuable to everyone and no other institution offers this.
What can you do to help?
Use your library. Get a library card. Attend one of our many programs! Check out our new website. Download books, music, and video.
Talk to your neighbours and your Council representative.
Make a public deputation to a meeting of the Library Board or Council to show your support for expanded library services.
Keep in touch with us. Feel free to call or send an e-mail to our CEO, who would be happy to discuss and alert you of any news.
Contact Todd Kyle, CEO at:
905-953-5110 extension 4670