"The County Library System shall: provide materials for the diffusion of useful knowledge (Napanee Mechanics Institute Charter-1857), and to support the varied social, cultural, educational and recreational interests of Lennox and Addington County residents; provide materials for factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards; present objective materials representing various viewpoints on controversial subjects which will encourage logical, critical and evaluative thinking; provide material which will illuminate our Canadian cultural heritage."

The County Library Services:

• facilitates education by working in co-operation with educational institutions to provide materials for research, arrange library tours, and assist students of all ages in meeting educational objectives established during their formal courses of study;
• facilitates education in providing an independent learning centre which supports individuals of all ages pursuing a sustained program of learning, independent of any educational provider; and
• promotes reading from infancy, encouraging young children to develop an interest in reading through special programs, including story hours and summer reading programs, and providing reader advisory services for self-enrichment and for discovering the pleasures of reading and learning.

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History

There has been public library service in the county for nearly two centuries and the County library system has been in existence for just over two decades, (official formation date - January 1, 1972).

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Legislation

The legislation governing the County Library Services:

"By-Law 1638" of the Corporation of the County of Lennox and Addington effective January 1, 1972.

"Ontario Public Libraries Act, 1984" and "Ontario Regulation 100/85".

"The County of Lennox and Addington Act, 1978" which deems the Council of the Corporation, for the purposes of the "Public Libraries Act" to be the board of the County Library.

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Municipal Partnerships

Delivery of Library Services

Under the Library Formation & Maintenance Policy (approved 1992, revised 1994, 2001), local municipalities provide suitable physical space and the County provides the collection, furnishings, equipment and staffing.

Participating Municipalities

Under By-Law 1638, the County Library system includes the following municipalities and public libraries:

• Town of Greater Napanee
  Napanee Branch Library
  South Fredericksburgh Branch Library
• Loyalist Township
  Amherstview Branch Library
  Bath Branch Library
  Odessa Branch Library
  Stella Branch Library
• Township of Stone Mills
  Camden East Branch Library
  Enterprise Branch Library
  Tamworth Branch Library
  Yarker Branch Library

Link to Library Contact Information

To view a copy of the Library Formation and Maintenance Policy (.pdf format) click here.