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2023

Fred Gladding, ChairMarilyn Sewell, Vice-ChairKelly Bernstein, CEO, Secretary/TreasurerDavid BaileyKari Raymer BishopPaula ChorpittaNathan EtheringtonMike GatopoulosAmanda HendersonSteve HowesJennifer KyleLinda Tripp (2022-2023)Fred Gladding, Library Board Chair-How wonderful it is to have an annual report to share with ourcommunity that celebrates the continuing growth of our libraryservice. Growth is not something that we take for granted; ittakes hard work. Our MissionThe County of Brant Public Library cultivates inclusivity and empowers lifelong learning.Our VisionExplore Today. Navigate Tomorrow.Our ValuesCommunity innovation | Equitable access | Client-centred service | CooperationRespect | Service team excellence | Intellectual freedomMeeting the needs of a changing and growing County of Brant requires adedicated and insightful staff. Finding new ways to engage, support, andinspire patrons is their specialty. The best part is, Brant residents haveresponded. The data shared in this report confirms that our libraries aremaking a difference for so many. Thank you to the community for placingyour trust in us.We look forward to seeing you at any one of our branches in the year ahead,or perhaps you will use the library online. Remember our library slogan, “Avisit will get you thinking.”

94,060visited our branches1,387,349visited us online1,812new librarymemberships26,556people attendedlibrary events3,440online classesattended & completed"Thank you, County of Brant Public Library! I just want to say what an important, vitalservice the public library provides to our community and how grateful I am to have it!"-Gail, Facebook comment320,319materials borrowedfrom our collections3,421books delivered byvolunteers through theVisiting Books service397,342interactions onsocial media65,619YouTube videoviews!in addition to...791%increase in YouTube subscribers comparedto 2022!289.4 hours watched1,343newsletter subscribers

We're proud to be a space wheremeaningful connections are made. In2023, we brought 2,006 events &classes to the community. From author talks to tech workshops tocommunity outreach events, libraryprograms created opportunities forneighbours to meet, learn, and share ideas. Digitally Savvy: tech workshops and virtualreality for older adults.Author events: we welcomed Gil Adamson (OneBook One Brant) and Suzanne Craig-Whytock(Writer-In-Residence).Brant FanFest: the Library’s first evercomics and cosplay festival featuringRichard Comely (creator of CaptainCanuck) and Walter Durajlija (owner ofBig B Comics).Cultural Storytelling: we celebratedOntario Culture Days with Rubyyy Jones,Ian Reid, Suzanne Craig-Whytock, AleriaMcKay, & Paul Riemens.Health, wellness, & cooking: Qigong, naturewalks, pasta-making, and take-home craft kitsfor adults.-GROWE Outdoor School, Facebook comment“So great to see our community library providingthese experiences. Thank you!!”Indigenous history: we welcomedKnowledge Keeper, Jordan Jamieson.Sustainability: Upcycling, gardening, and seedsaving workshops.melodia: a Spanish guitar performanceby Tim Beattie.With James L. Turk, Canadianscholar and Director of the Centrefor Free Expression.

In July and August, our Read It summertutors held 368 reading sessions forelementary school students.The TD Summer Reading Club saw 508reading club members log 617,443 minutes ofreading - that’s a 41% increase from 2022!Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten: Staffhelped children prepare for their first yearof school through activities, music, andindependent play.STEM learning: Staff taught science literacyand ran building, robotics, and codingclasses.Sweet Treats from Around the World:Weekly intergenerational cooking classessaw families gather for cultural cookingclasses with local chefs.Butterfly release: four butterflies wereraised at the Paris Branch and released in anearby park.In 2023, our children’s staff created andran 952 events & classes for 11,763 kids,teens, & families!School visits: Staff led 397school visits and broughtthe library to 9438students!reading prizesearned

“We are SO GLAD you’re here!”Wi-Fi usage Computer usageiPads & Launchpadsborrowed-Kari“I am happy to see that theCounty of Brant Library systemhas such a diverse array ofequipment for use...Thank you,Jeremy for enlightening us!!”-Malcolm“Ohhh the digitalembroidery machine, thiswould be great for smallbusinesses, not-for-profitsetc.”-Pamela“Oh the posters I could print!!”-NeverthelessCommunityIn December 2023, we introduced abarrier-free Makerspace to a growingcommunity of creators in Brant County.In 2023, 1,593 gadgets were borrowedfrom the Gear & Gadgets Collection!Woodburning kitsVHS-to-DVD ConverteriPadsStargazingBackpackRadon detectors

Technology &Administration - 7.2%We are committed to cultivating a lifelong love ofreading and celebrating a growing, diverse community.County of Brant - 97.2%Federal & Provincial Grants - 2.9%Donations - 0.3%Fees - 0.4%Staffing & Training - 72.8%Collections - 10.8%Facilities - 5.7%ProgrammingSupplies - 3.6% Foster creativity and innovation.1. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.2. Provide exemplary customer service.3. Optimize the use of facilities4. Build organizational capacity.5.We connect Brant County residents with informationand services that inspire and support personal andcommunity success.

St. George Branch78 Main Street North, St. George519-448-1300(519) 442-2433brantlibrary@brant.cabrantlibrary.caParis Branch12 William Street, Paris519-442-2433Burford Branch24 Park Avenue, Burford519-449-5371Glen Morris Branch474 East River Road, Glen Morris519-740-2122Scotland-Oakland Branch281 Oakland Road, Scotland519-446-0181Onondaga Library Service734 Highway 54, Onondaga519-442-2433