The Waterford Library is officially set to reopen on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., with refreshments and live music performed by Waterford District High School students.
The Norfolk County Public Library (NCPL) recently announced the reopening after a series of renovations that include enhanced seating, new spaces for children and teens, upgraded technology, and flexible areas for programs and events. While the grand reopening event is planned for May 1, the library is already open to the public starting today.
In addition to the renovations, the NCPL is partnering with the Waterford & District Horticultural Society to bring a stronger environmental and educational focus to the library grounds. Together, they aim to transform the library gardens into a learning space promoting sustainable and natural gardening practices.
This partnership is a strong example of how libraries and local organisations can work together to create shared spaces that benefit the whole community. – Julie Kent, CEO of the Norfolk County Public Library.
The collaboration includes creating gardens that support pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthier local ecosystem. The initiative goes beyond planting flowers, with potential for workshops, signage, and educational programs.
The goal is to teach the public about sustainable gardening, native plant species, and environmental stewardship. The project is being supported through a mix of grants and donations, including a $200 and $1,000 grant from the Ontario Horticultural Association. A donation from the Waterford Historical Society will be recognized with a commemorative plaque.
Garden work and programming will continue throughout 2025, with plenty of opportunities for volunteers and community involvement.
Written by Georgia Chambers