BLOG & NEWS

Thank you for an extraordinary year. Here’s to the next chapter!

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a truly unforgettable year for the Bracebridge Library. This was a year of change, growth, and incredible community spirit. It was a year when we bid farewell to the past and embraced an exciting new chapter.

We said goodbye to our beloved Carnegie building on Manitoba Street in July. After nearly 116 years of serving our community from that historic space, it was bittersweet to leave it for our new facility. We are so thankful to everyone who joined us to celebrate its legacy on July 6, sharing memories and making one last visit truly special.

The move into our new location at 34 Salmon Avenue inside the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre brought a transformation beyond anything we could have imagined. From an 8,000 sq. ft. building to an expansive 23,000 sq. ft. facility, we now have the space to offer so much more to our community.

This year, we proudly launched several new spaces that have already become beloved features of the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library:

• The area’s first-ever Makerspace, complete with multiple 3D printers, 3D scanning, a laser cutter, sewing and quilting machines, sublimation equipment, leatherworking tools, and so much more.

• A professional-level recording studio, outfitted with instruments, recording equipment, and everything you need to record music, start a podcast, and more.

• A dedicated Local History Room, preserving and celebrating the rich stories of Bracebridge and Muskoka.

• A computer training lab to support digital literacy and skills development.

• And many more spaces designed to bring people together, foster creativity, and spark learning.

Construction delays meant a longer closure than anticipated, but good things truly come to those who wait.

On October 8, we were thrilled to open the doors to the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library for a soft launch, followed by our official grand opening on October 10. The community’s response blew us away with over 3,000 people walking through our doors in the first 8 hours we were open. Since then, we’ve welcomed an average of 12,000 visitors a month, which is an incredible 700% increase compared to some of our busiest times at the old location.

Your support didn’t stop there.

During the summer, almost half of our collection was borrowed by community members and returned to our new location in the fall. This incredible effort made the move smoother for our team, and even our professional movers were amazed by the outpouring of support. You reminded us, yet again, why we love serving this community.

Once we settled in, we hit the ground running.

From our biggest-ever Murder Mystery event with over 100 participants to our Plaid Party- which brought an entire hay maze to the library – and countless programs for all ages, we’ve hosted some unforgettable events. Thanks to your generosity, our fourth annual Santa for Seniors initiative delivered gifts to over 200 local seniors this holiday season. Together, we also supported the Manna Food Bank, further proving how deeply rooted compassion is in this community.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without our remarkable staff. This team has truly been the backbone of everything we’ve accomplished in 2024. They worked tirelessly – often late into the night – to ensure every detail of the move, setup, and programming was just right. From unpacking thousands of books to fine-tuning new technology, they’ve handled every challenge with grace and determination, all while smiling ear-to-ear.

Adjusting to such a drastic increase in traffic isn’t easy, but our team has risen to the occasion, embracing the opportunities that come with serving so many new visitors. They’ve designed and delivered innovative programs, forged new partnerships, and ensured that every patron who walks through our doors feels welcome. Their dedication, creativity, and passion for what they do make this library a vibrant and inspiring place. They truly are the dream team and I couldn’t be more honoured to work with such an awesome group of people.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the Bracebridge Library Board, the Town of Bracebridge staff, and our incredible sponsors, donors, and partners, including our title sponsor, the Coulson Family.

Your support has made our vision a reality.

We’re also excited to be preparing to install our Buy a Bay donor tags and custom donor wall, which will serve as a tribute to the generosity that brought this space to life.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more excitement!

We’ll kick off the year with Family Literacy Day at the end of January, launch new programs for all ages, and continue our “Live at the Library” series, bringing live music and performances into the heart of our space.

As we step into 2025, we do so with gratitude and anticipation. Serving this community is a privilege, and we’re eager to grow alongside you in the years to come. Together, we’ll continue to make the Bracebridge Library a space where everyone belongs, learns, and thrives.

The Bracebridge Library is a place that is truly Anything but the Ordinary!

Crystal Bergstrome, Bracebridge Library CEO and Chief Librarian