McKay Memorial Library Opens New Chapter of Community Support
News Release
Shelburne, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The McKay Memorial Library is opening up a new chapter in its book; one where it will be better equipped to support the needs of its community. The Library will be receiving renovations that will expand their programming space in order to enhance non-traditional library services such as workshops, training, specialized programming, artisan’s displays and community space.
Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for the South Shore – St. Margarets, announced today that the Government of Canada is making an $85,487 non-repayable investment in the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Innovative Communities Fund. In addition to this funding, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne and the Town of Shelburne are each contributing $10,000. The Shelburne Library Building Association also fundraised $50,000 through community efforts.
This project will expand the community room, making it available outside of library hours, and will reconfigure and diversify existing sections of the library. This will provide more open workspace to volunteers and community members as well as small businesses who seek private space for meetings. Additionally, exhibit space for local artisans will be incorporated throughout the library to maximize sales potential and gain exposure.
The McKay Memorial Library serves an area of approximately 6,100 individuals and currently offers technology training, research facilities, literacy programming and group meeting space. It also consistently plays a role in supporting organizations and small business owners by providing free high speed internet, computer access, and scanning and printing options. As the Library has outgrown its current layout, the increased capacity resulting from this project will allow for a more user-centric space that will enhance business development, promote local artists and increase community collaboration. New technologies and a larger facility will make the library better equipped to support a variety of on-going skills development training, which provides benefits to the local economy and matches the modern-day needs of this community.
The Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic Provinces launched on July 4, 2016, an Atlantic Growth Strategy that will direct targeted actions to stimulate the Atlantic Canadian economy. Today’s announcement builds on this commitment.
Quotes
“Smart, targeted investments in community infrastructure help to drive local economic growth and strengthen the middle class. That’s why we’re pleased to invest in the McKay Memorial Library. In addition to modernizing an invaluable community space, the training and skills development programming will help local citizens to generate new economic activity.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the Shelburne Library Building Association to enhance the offerings and capabilities within the McKay Memorial Library. This building serves as a focal point for the area and aligning its capacity with the needs of its community is pertinent to successful community infrastructure.”
- Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets
“The Shelburne Library Building Association is thrilled to see this project finally get off the ground. This all started with a bequest that was made by the Bower family who wanted to help create a small reading area in the library. Once consultations began, it quickly became apparent that the community wanted more in terms of space than just a new reading area. The expansion and renovations to the McKay Memorial Library’s meeting spaces will allow for more people to gather and participate in community activities and events. We are grateful to all the donors, funders and everyone who helped transform this idea into a reality.”
- Bob Legère, Chair, Shelburne Library Building Association
Associated Links
• McKay Memorial Library Facebook Page
• Western Counties Regional Library Facebook Page
• Atlantic Growth Strategy
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Tel: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Erin Comeau
Regional Library Director
Western Counties Regional Library
Tel: (902) 742-2486 ext. 225
E-mail: ecomeau@nsy.library.ns.ca
Search for related information by keyword
Hon. Navdeep Singh Bains Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Society and Culture Information and Communications Education and Training
Portable Document Format
The following document is available for downloading or viewing:
- PDF Version, 232 kb
To access the Portable Document Format (PDF) version you must have a PDF reader installed. If you do not already have such a reader, there are numerous PDF readers available for free download or for purchase on the Internet: