| Clarington Public Library, Museum and Archives | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada |
| Branches | 4 (Library) 3 (Museum & Archives) |
| Access and use | |
| Members | 44,944 (2023)[1] |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $4,331,259 (2023)[1] |
| Director | Monika Machacek |
| Parent organization | Municipality of Clarington |
| Website | www |
Clarington Public Library, Museum and Archives (CLMA), formerly the Clarington Public Library, is a public library and museum system based in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. It currently has four library branches, located in Bowmanville, Courtice, Orono, and Newcastle, as well as three museum locations.
History
editIn 2003, the Clarington Public Library was established as a separate entity created the Clarington Municipal Council through By-law 2003-188 in accordance with the Public Libraries Act.[2][3]
In 2009, a library branch was opened in Newcastle.[4]
The Clarington Public Library finished in second place at the 2018 TD Summer Reading Club Awards, managed by Library and Archives Canada and TD Bank.[5] Their summer reading program had a record number of children registered to read.[5]
In 2020, the Clarington Public Library amalgamated with the Clarington Museums and Archives, based on a recommendation from council. This merger resulted in the formation of the current Clarington Public Library, Museums & Archives, which now offers integrated services including library resources, museum collections, and archival materials
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the library expanded their physical collections and services to include access to eBooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines.[6] They also introduced a "Borrow by Mail" service where the library mails borrowed materials to users by mail. In addition, the museum offered virtual genealogy and educational history sessions.
Beginning in 2023, the Orono Library branch underwent accessibility renovations which included a fully accessible entrance and a universal washroom. The renovations were completed and unveiled in April 2024.[7]
In 2024, CLMA was awarded the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom by the Ontario Library Association[8] The award, which was also given to the other Durham Region libraries as well as the Durham Children's Aid Society, was in honour of their Drag Queen Storytime events and for defending the rights of all library patrons.[8]
Governance
editLike all public libraries in Ontario, the Clarington Public Library is governed by the Public Libraries Act. This legislation establishes the framework for public library governance, including the requirement for a library board to oversee the library's operations.
The Clarington Public Library is governed by the Public Library Board, which is appointed by Clarington Municipal Council.[3] The Board is comprised of eight citizen board members and one member of Council.
The Public Library Board hires a Chief Executive Office (CEO), who manages the operations of the library. The current CEO of the Clarington Public Library is Monika Machacek.[9]
Services
editCollections
editThe Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) offers a rich and diverse collection that goes beyond traditional library materials. Their unique "Library of Things" allows patrons to borrow unconventional items such as binoculars, bird watching kits, and even telescopes, encouraging exploration of the natural world. For tech enthusiasts, the collection includes Chromebooks and mobile hotspots, ensuring digital access for all community members. The CLMA also caters to creative pursuits with their "Craft Corner," featuring Cricut machines and sewing machines available for loan. Additionally, the library supports early literacy and child development through their collection of literacy kits and STEAM kits, designed to make learning engaging and interactive for young patrons. These specialized collections demonstrate the CLMA's commitment to providing innovative resources that support lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement.
Branches
editLibrary branches
edit| Name | Location | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowmanville Library | 163 Church Street Bowmanville, ON L1C 1T7 |
||
| Courtice Library | 2950 Courtice Road Courtice, ON L1E 2H8 |
||
| Newcastle Library | 150 King Ave E. Newcastle, ON L1B 1H5 |
|
|
| Orono Library | 127 Church Street Orono, ON L0B 1M0 |
|
Museum branches
edit| Name | Location | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke Schoolhouse | 7086 Old Kirby School Road Orono, ON L0B 1M0 |
||
| Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre | 62 Temperance Street Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A8 |
||
| Waverley Place | 37 Silver Street Bowmanville, ON L1C 3C4 |
References
edit- ^ a b "Annual Report 2023" (PDF). Clarington Library, Museums and Archives. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "By-law 2003-188". Municipality of Clarington. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Public Library Board". Municipality of Clarington. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Book some fun with Newcastle library for grand opening". Oshawa This Week. DurhamRegionNews. 14 August 2009. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b O'Meara, Jennifer (7 June 2018). "Clarington Public Library wins second at TD Summer Reading Club Library Awards". DurhamRegion. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "Clarington library now offering take-out service while museum switches to virtual research". DurhamRadioNews. 2021 Jan 7. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Orono Library hosting open house to celebrate accessibility renovations". DurhamRadioNews. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Durham Region libraries win awards for 2023 Drag Queen Storytimes". Durham Radio News. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b O'Meara, Jennifer (26 March 2022). "Five things Clarington Library's new CEO is known for". Clarington This Week. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "Retirements in Clarington". Clarington This Week. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2024.