Budget Spotlights 2025 #5: Mississippi Mills Public Library
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Our Budget Spotlights continue this week and it’s time to read all about the Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL).
MMPL operates two branches – Almonte (located at 155 High Street) and Pakenham (located at 128 MacFarlane Street). The library’s goal is to inspire lifelong learning, provide equitable access to information, advance knowledge and strengthen our community. Their vision is an informed, engaged, creative and connected community.
Christine Row is Chief Executive Officer, who leads a staff of 14, including two students. MMPL is governed by a board of trustees, composed of 7-9 individuals, the majority being representatives of the community and one member of Mississippi Mills Council. Trustees are appointed by Council for a term of 4 years.
The board’s role is to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library services that reflects the community’s unique needs. It is an independent body and not a committee of Municipal Council.
Statistics from the MMPL's 2023 Annual Report:
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4,598 – number of active library users with 845 new users in 2023
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141,889 – number of checkouts (10% increase over 2022), including 40,307 digital items (29% increase over 2022)
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7,703 – number of library programs attended (45% increase over 2022)
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685 – number of items delivered via the Visiting Library Service
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Over 16,000 – number of internet and WiFi sessions (28% increase over 2022)
Residents can access a wide range of books and media at their fingertips, but MMPL also provides meeting space for the community, Tech Tutor and 3D printing programs, as well as interlibrary loans, a digitization lab and seniors’ services, to name just a few.
In 2023, the Almonte and Pakenham branches were reaccredited under the Ontario Public Library Guidelines Monitoring & Accreditation Council for 2023-2028. Provincial Accreditation is a standard confirming the highest level of library service.
2025 PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS – MISSISSIPPI MILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Proposed capital projects in the draft 2025 budget for the library, include:
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HVAC repair – $7,000
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Display shelving - $2,000
To learn more about the MMPL, visit https://missmillslibrary.com.
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