This document outlines a presentation on libraries serving as community hubs and platforms. It discusses strategies for integrating facilities to attract diverse groups, including creating "third places" and adaptable, accessible spaces. Examples are provided of libraries with partnerships with cultural institutions and organizations. The value of such partnerships is that they can help libraries expand programming options and increase attendance.

1. July 11, 2019
Library as a community building platform.
LGA. Idea Exchange. Cambridge Public Library

2. Introduction and
Presentation outline
1. Design strategies for a successful integration of facilities
3. Case – Study : Blue Mountains Public Library
Emira Galeteanu, BAS, MArch, TSA, OAA
LGA Architectural Partners
Dr. Sabrina ER Saunder, CEO
Blue Mountains Public Library
Stephen Abram, MLS, FSLA
Lighthouse Consulting, Inc.
2. Value propositions, funding methods and trends.
Library as a community building platform.
LGA. Kitchener Public library

3. Chicago heat wave

4. Chicago heat wave

5. What libraries are about.
Creating connections:
LGA.
Kitchener Public library
People to knowledge
People to people

6. This integration of different facilities
and, in turn, programmes that have
the potential of attracting a more
diverse group of people.
“The Third Place”
LGA. Idea Exchange. Cambridge Public Library
This potential should be built-in in
the architecture of the libraries that
we build in the future.

7. How do you purposely build to create connections?
How do you keep the collections as a core of the library but create a new hybrid space
for lifelong learning, inspiration and creation?
LGA. Scarborough Civic Centre Branch. TPL.

8. The Little Free Library
“I’ve met more
people since our little
library came here
than I’ve met in 10 or
20 years.”

9. The Little Free Library
These small libraries, combined
with the functions of the urban
realm, completely changed how
people related to the space and
to each other.

10. The Little Free Library
These small libraries, combined
with the functions of the urban
realm, completely changed how
people related to the space and
to each other.
• Adaptable and hybrid
• Accessible / Exposed and on-route
• Inviting - Reach out to the people
Design strategies:

11. Adaptable Spaces
LGA.
Kitchener Public library

12. Adaptable Spaces
LGA.
Kitchener Public library

13. Adaptable Spaces
LGA.
Kitchener Public library

14. Adaptable Spaces
The Craigleith Heritage Depot Museum, Library and Cultural Centre
The Blue Mountains Public Library

15. Adaptable Spaces
The Craigleith Heritage Depot Museum, Library and Cultural Centre
The Blue Mountains Public Library

16. Adaptable Spaces
LGA. Scarborough Civic Centre Branch

17. Adaptable Spaces
LGA. Scarborough Civic Centre Branch

18. Adaptable Spaces
L.E. Shore Memorial Library,
The Blue Mountains Public Library

19. Adaptable Spaces
L.E. Shore Memorial Library,
The Blue Mountains Public Library

20. Circulation
SHL - Dokk 1. Aarhus, Denmark

21. Circulation
SHL - Dokk 1.
Aarhus, Denmark

22. Circulation
LGA.
Queen's Square Idea Exchange
Cambridge Public Library

23. Circulation
SHL
Halifax Central Library

24. Circulation
SHL
Halifax Central Library

25. Circulation
Borch and Fjord + SHL
Hjørring Bibliotek Danmark

26. Circulation
Borch and Fjord + SHL
Hjørring Bibliotek Danmark

27. Reaching out
SHL - Dokk 1.
Aarhus, Denmark

28. Reaching out
David Adjaye
Idea store – Whitechapel.
London. UK

29. Reaching out
L.E. Shore Memorial Library,
The Blue Mountains Public Library

30. Reaching out
L.E. Shore Memorial Library,
The Blue Mountains Public Library

31. Reaching out
LGA.
Scarborough Civic Centre Branch. TPL.

32. Why Public
Libraries
Partner with
Cultural
Institutions

35. • “Do partnerships help produce a
better desired outcome? Can
public libraries gain from
integrating with museums and
members of the museology field?
• There are factors for both
advocating and resisting long
lasting partnerships or
integrations between these two
organizations.
• However, the core of both fields
represents significant pillars in
society’s public programming,
engagement and education.”
https://princh.com/integrating-libraries-and-
museums/#.XR-UY5ArKM9

36. Public libraries are known to
continuously evolve and adapt with
advancements in technology and
society. Not only do public libraries
evolve but they tend to be the
platform to educate the public about
the information they have adopted.
Think new technologies, media, and
knowledge. Public libraries are safe
spaces which allow members of the
community exposure to new
technology which helps them develop
skills such as 3-D printing, laser
cutting, music editing etc. which is not
readily accessible to the public in the
same way.

37. Museums also impact the
community and the visitors they
serve. As stated in “The role of
the Museum in Society” by
Emmanuel N. Arinze, museums
traditionally collect materials
and objects of cultural,
religious, historical importance
to preserve, research and
present them for display to the
public for educational purposes
as well as enjoyment.

38. • Libraries have small, long
term exhibits
• Museums have permanent
public library stations
• A large-scale library &
museum hybrid is NOT
dependent on shared space
• Negotiate and converse for
win-win
Active cooperation between large
community pillars, like libraries and
museums, could provide a modern,
grandiose structure incorporating history,
culture and resources to continuously
enrich their communities.

39. What’s the Most Popular
Activity that Ontarians Choose?
Culture | Art | Sport | Shopping | Fun

40. How do Public Libraries compare in
the cultural mosaic of Museums,
Galleries, Theatre and Music?

41. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BY TYPE:
PERCENTAGE OF CANADIANS ATTENDING
Any Museum: 32%

42. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BY TYPE:
PERCENTAGE OF CANADIANS ATTENDING
Any Museum: 32%
Public & Commercial Art Galleries: 33%

43. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BY TYPE:
PERCENTAGE OF CANADIANS ATTENDING
Any Museum: 32%
Public & Commercial Art Galleries: 33%
Any Performing Arts: 55.0%

44. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BY TYPE:
PERCENTAGE OF CANADIANS ATTENDING
Any Museum: 32%
Public & Commercial Art Galleries: 33%
Any Performing Arts: 55.0%
Public Libraries: 73%

45. Let’s dig deeper into music and concerts…

46. Let’s dig deeper into music and concerts…
73%
37.6%
27.5%
13.7%
9.0%
3.2%
7.2%
7.4%
21.3%
Music and Concert Attendance: Percentage of Canadians Going
Public Libraries
Any performing art
Theatre, classical & Dance
All Classical Music
Symphonic music
Opera
Choral Music
Dance
Pop Music

47. Let’s dig deeper into music and concerts…
73%
37.6%
27.5%
13.7%
9.0%
3.2%
7.2%
7.4%
21.3%
Music and Concert Attendance: Percentage of Canadians Going
Public Libraries
Any performing art
Theatre, classical & Dance
All Classical Music
Symphonic music
Opera
Choral Music
Dance
Pop Music
(Ontarians love culture. We just
REALLY love our libraries.)

48. What about
Sports?

49. What about
Sports?
The NHL sold 21.6 million tickets.

50. What about
Sports?
The NBA sold 21.4 million tickets.

51. What about
Sports?
The NFL sold 17.3 million tickets.

52. What about
Sports?
Major League Baseball sold 73.7 million tickets

53. How do Libraries compare?

54. Libraries get 72.5 million visits each year
(In Ontario alone!)

55. That’s 12 million more than the NHL,
NHL and NBA combined…

56. Or to put it another way…

57. Or to put it another way…
If the Blue Jays, the Leafs, the
Senators, the Raptors, the
Thunder, the Furies, the
Marlies, Toronto FC AND
Toronto Rock all played to
capacity crowds in one day (a
busy day for the Air Canada
Centre, admittedly, but stay
with us on this…)

58. Or to put it another way…
They’d still see around 25,000
fewer people than Ontarian
libraries get on every single day
of the year.
That’s right – on average,
libraries in the province get
198,000 visits a day, every day.

60. Nope. ALL of Canada had 16 million foreign
tourists. That’s less than a quarter of the number
who visit their public library in Ontario alone.

62. Libraries offer great programs…
Ontario’s Libraries offer over 250,000 in 2016 which attracted
over 4.5 Million residents! We’ve grown over 82% in ten years,
attended by over 4.5 million people in 2016 alone!

63. Libraries offer great programs…
Ontario’s Libraries offer over 250,000 in 2016 which attracted
over 4.5 Million residents! We’ve grown over 82% in ten years,
attended by over 4.5 million people in 2016 alone!
• Early literacy and early learning
• Summer Reading Club
• Homework Help
• Teen Programs
• Newcomers to Canada & Ontario
• Careers, Skills, and Job Help
• Genealogy
• Business, entrepreneur and community
development
• Seniors programs
• Book clubs
• Culture Days
e.g.

64. Libraries offer great programs…
Ontario’s Libraries offer over 250,000 in 2016 which attracted
over 4.5 Million residents! We’ve grown over 82% in ten years,
attended by over 4.5 million people in 2016 alone!
• Early literacy and early learning
• Summer Reading Club
• Homework Help
• Teen Programs
• Newcomers to Canada & Ontario
• Careers, Skills, and Job Help
• Genealogy
• Business, entrepreneur and community
development
• Seniors programs
• Book clubs
• Culture Days
Millions engage
with their
neighbours through
community
programs

65. Ontarians
love their
culture and
sports (and
that’s great!)

66. But they love and
visit their public
libraries more.

67. And Ontario’s Libraries are so much
more than just culture and recreation!

68. • Excellent Return on Investment
• Strong Economic Development and Impact
• Great Employment Support
• Welcoming New Canadians
• Provable Early Literacy Development
• Ongoing Lifelong Support for Formal Education and Homework Help
• Serving the whole community equitably
• Affordable access to community resources
• Access to Government Services and e-government
• Questions Deserve Quality Answers
• Support Cultural Vitality
• AND Recognized and Valued Leisure Activities for majority of
Ontarians
The Public Library value proposition is strong
and includes (but isn’t limited to):

69. • Excellent Return on Investment
• Strong Economic Development and Impact
• Great Employment Support
• Welcoming New Canadians
• Provable Early Literacy Development
• Ongoing Lifelong Support for Formal Education and Homework Help
• Serving the whole community equitably
• Affordable access to community resources
• Access to Government Services and e-government
• Questions Deserve Quality Answers
• Support Cultural Vitality
• AND Recognized and Valued Leisure Activities for majority of
Ontarians
The Public Library value proposition is strong
and includes (but isn’t limited to):

70. Ontario’s Public Libraries
Simply put: Now more than
ever before, Ontario’s Public
Libraries play a critical role in
the social, educational, cultural
and economic success of the
communities in our province.

71. Ontario’s Public Libraries
Public Libraries are an essential
investment in the future of our
communities and are essential
drivers of success in school
preparedness, reading
readiness, economic and
employment success, and
social equity.

72. Ontario’s Public Libraries
As the development of the
knowledge economy
progresses, public libraries are
a vital link for every resident
and every community to
ensure success of all Ontarians,
regardless of location or
background.

73. YOUR Public Library
We support your goals for
learning, recreation, culture and
arts, creativity, family, making,
and engaging with your
community. And we love reading
too.

74. In the time you’ve spent at this
presentation, thousands of people
have visited a library in Ontario….

75. So Public Libraries have something
to offer in a partnership with cultural
institutions!

76. Why?
• WIIFU – What’s in it for us?
• We can enlarge our programs portfolio beyond our walls.
• We can increase our number of programs with partnerships to access
professional talent at cultural institutions.
• We can offer space for passive programming through galleries and exhibit
curations that drive traffic to our partners.
• We can support culture walks and ours with local history societies,
genealogical groups, heritage preservation groups, etc.

77. Why!
• WIIFT – What’s in it for them?
• We have access to MORE community members than nearly anyone locally.
• We can contribute to tourism and economic development strategies.
• We have resources (like books, databases and archives) that enhance curation
and programming.
• We have larger attendance in person and digitally!
• We have a growing social media footprint for engagement!
• We can provide opportunities for ‘extend-your-experience’ events and
liaisons through website links, digital archives, books and web/bibliographies,
etc.
• Public Libraries have access to DC/CBC funds – museums and cultural
institutions don’t…

78. But How?
• Lots of Options – Start at the basics . . .
• Build Relationships first
• Start a local culture team- beyond the SMT – a coalition of the willing
• Break down the siloes
• Undertake MOU’s when needed / appropriate
• Share major events (Fairs, Maker Faires, Sidewalk events, Park
programs, etc.)
• Understand your Development Charge Regime (and the new CBCs)
• Share some programs

79. We already have a great start!
268 Library Systems
Culture Programs and Attendees from the 2017 Annual Survey of Public Libraries / Ontario Public Library Statistics
Public Library and First Nation Public Library Culture
Programs and Attendees
Maker space,
Digital media
lab, Self-
publishing -
Number of
Programs
Maker space,
Digital media
lab, Self-
publishing -
Number of
Attendees
Genealogy,
local history,
Doors Open -
Number of
Programs
Genealogy,
local history,
Doors Open -
Number of
Attendees
Culture Days,
poetry and
story
readings, art
shows -
Number of
Programs
Culture Days,
poetry and
story
readings, art
shows -
Number of
Attendees
First Nation
Communities
Reads - Number of
Programs
First Nation
Communities
Reads - Number of
Attendees
Indigenous
language
training and
retention -
Number of
Programs
Indigenous
language
training and
retention -
Number of
Attendees
Book Clubs -
Number of
Programs
Book Clubs - Number
of Attendees
Summary 11,966 139,855 1,057 19,627 7,604 204,188 46 1,779 409 2,670 9,576 81,390
© 2017 Ontario Public Library Statistics are collected and published by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

80. Taking it to the Next Level: 2017 Culture
Partnerships
In this report, 205 public libraries and First Nation public libraries report 843
partnerships with the Cultural sector.
135 report Community Museum partnerships
66 report art gallery partnerships
92 report municipal cultural planning partnerships
65 report archives partnerships
111 report heritage partnerships
70 report ethno-cultural and newcomer service organization partnerships
92 report 304 other cultural partnerships
For Other Cultural Partnerships information, see "Other Cultural Partners" sheet two of
this report.

81. Handout: Real Partnership Inspirations
Samples Samples2 Samples3
Volunteer Centre Culture and Research Department of Chippewas of Rama Dryden Area Anti-Racism Network
Burlington Performing Arts Centre YMCA Novel Ideas Bookstore
First Burlington Toastmasters John Howard Society Dryden Rotary Club
CNIB/CELA Indigenious People of the community Shaw TV
Art Gallery of Burlington Cornwall Transition +, Cornwall and Area Writer's Society, NaNoWriMo, Les Milles Feuilles St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnerships
Burlington Mundialization Committee Hort, Salem Valley Quilters and Hill Spirits Mennonite Community Services Aylmer
Burlington Age Friendly Council Dryden Trillium Lions Club South Simcoe Arts
Community Living Hoshizaki House Women's Shelter Zoomer Essex - local seniors organization
Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable Lokah Sanga Yoga local Mad Science organization
Halton Multicultural Council Dryden Genealogical Society Hackforge - Makespace programming
Burlington Green Sunset Country Quilters Guild Journal communautaire
Centre for Skills Development National Film Board Diversity Committee
Halton Newcomer Strategy Group Dryden Days of Summer Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Children's Delight Series Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts
St. John's Ambulance Theatre 17 Rainy Lake Orchestra
Programs with our indiginous comunities Metis Nation of Ontario and the Indiginous Friendship Centr Patricia Regional Seniors Services Local Artists & Artisans
Music, Dance and Drama Organizations Northern Ontario Writers Workshop United Native Friendship Centre
Lanark County Libraries Dryden Historical Society Cornell Farms
Maisons d'édition Kiwanis Club of Dryden Borderland Orchestra
Golden Eagles Seniors Group Dryden Native Friendship Centre Kids and Company
Heart and Stroke Foundation Horticultural Society Kakekalanicks
Sudbury Legal Clinic Local media Niagara Concerts
Historical Society Anishnaabemowin Revival Program(ARP), UCCM, M'Chigeeng Health Centre Ignite the Spirit Foundation
Newcomer Services Horticultural Society Music Festival
St. Johns "Paws For Reading" Pukaskwa National Park Arts & Culture Council
Stratford Symphony Orchestra Ontario Arts Council Oshawa Senior Citizen's Centres
Stratford Horticultural Society Club des aînées DRAAG Durham Region Area Archives Group
RT04 - local tourism collective McKellar Recreation Committee DRAAC Durham Region Aboriginal Advisory Circle
Perth County Information Network Artist's Guild (MAG) Galaxy Cinemas
I Volunteer Perth Huron Theatre Group (Theatre Night in Merrickville) Ontario Genealogical Society Bruce Grey Chapter
DigiWriting Milton Horticultural Society Friendship Centre (First Nations)
Municipal Age Friendly Program Canadian Champion newspaper Pelham Art Club
VillageNoel Wilfrid Laurier University Pelham Historical Society
Festival des Folies Francofun Ontario Early Years Pelham Art Festival
Spring Pulse Poetry Festival Literacy North Halton Bookclubs
International Festival of Authors United Way of Milton Compass
UNESCO / NFB of Canada / CFoLA / National Centre for Truth and Reconcilation / Library & Archives .. Authors County of Simcoe
Definitely Superior MFN Anishnabemowin Program Petawawa MilitaryFamily Resource Centre
Leanna Marshall, Indigenous artist / Community Arts and Heritage Education Project Muskoka Chautauqua Ontario Genealogical Society
Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Festivals & Events Spark Photo Festival
Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP) and Confederation College Hispanic Canadian Alliance of Ontario Training and Learning Centre
Ardelle Segetcheway, community member and guest speak Afghan Womens Organization Balsam Hill Women's Institute
Sarah Johnson / Negahneewin Student Services Ontario Early Years Centre Durham French Employment Centre
World War One Thunder Bay Centennial Durham West Probus Club TD Summer Reading Club
Diversity Thunder Bay / Ardelle Sagetcheway Durham Unemployment Centre Pickering Concert Band
City of Thunder Bay Cultural and Recreation Division (Youth Move) Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada Carea Community Health Centre
Thunder Pride Probus Club of Ajax Clarington Public Library
Sam Achneepineskum, Indigenous Elder, Traditional knowledge keeper and facilitator Pickering High School Oshawa Public Library
CDCD Centre D'emploi de Durham Tamil Cultural and Academic Society of Durham

82. What to consider . . .
• Museum standards
• Archival standards
• Library Standards
• Development charge and
funding issues
• Admissions versus visitors
• Focus on passive programs
• Museum retail shops
• Video walls
• Historical character
• Nature
• Outside the walls
• Museum passes
• Partnerships
• Website links
• Social media integration
• And more . . .

83. Let’s Talk!

84. Data Sources
• http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/libraries/statistics2013/Summary_and_Comparison_Report_2013.pdf
• http://www.culturalhrc.ca/announcements/2014/PR2014-09-10-e.php?gclid=CKfckba8jcgCFYsYHwodiZgGVg
• https://stats.cfldb.ca
• http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/87f0003x/2013001/t033-eng.htm
• http://www.arts.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=415
• http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Ontario_Major_Festivals_and_Events_Attraction.pdf
• http://www.slideshare.net/stephenabram1/market-probe-fopl-webinar-20151708animated
• http://www.slideshare.net/stephenabram1/fopl-webinar-august1420154
All data is the latest publicly available and figures have been rounded
Contact: sabram@fopl.ca

85. Image Sources
1st set of icons by Icons8 – see these and more at
https://icons8.com/download-huge-windows8-set/#/web
Otherwise all images in this presentation are free of
copyrights and licensed under Creative Commons CC0 – they
were sourced via Unsplash and Pixabay.

86. Your Library: where You are...
See more at
fopl.ca

87. Blue Mountains Public
Library as a GLAM

105. Road to Today

113. Staffing & Operational
Considerations

115. TheBlueMountainsLibrary.ca
LibraryChair@TheBlueMountains.ca
LibraryCEO@TheBlueMountains.ca
BLUE MOUNTAINS
PUBLIC LIBRARY