Libraries

The Essex County Library operates a system of 14 branch libraries that provide library materials and services, free of charge, to all residents of Essex County.  The Library’s mission statement is to make available to the residents of Essex County reading, viewing and listening materials for general knowledge, cultural enrichment, education and recreation; authoritative and timely information in support of daily living, educational pursuits and intellectual curiosity; and to encourage the youngest members of the community to read and learn.

Library facilities are provided by the local municipality with one facility located in each of Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh, three facilities in both Essex and Kingsville and four in Lakeshore.  While the local municipalities provide the facility for the Library Branches, the Essex County Library Board is responsible for furnishing the inside of the buildings with shelving, furniture, equipment, library resources and employs the staff who deliver all the services the Essex County Library provides.

Library administration offices are located in the lower level of 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex in Suite 101.  Administration, computer network services, ordering and processing of library materials are centralized there, so branches can focus exclusively on serving the public during hours that range from 60 hours a week at the largest branches to 12 at the smallest.  Primarily only library staff access the library administration offices.

Beginning in 2008, the LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh branches began to have Sunday hours in addition to their regular weekday and Saturday hours of operation.  Sunday hours are not, however, available during the months of June, July, August and September.

The Essex County Library is funded primarily through the County of Essex.  The Library’s annual budget totals approximately $4,600,000 with wages and benefits comprising 64% and library materials about 17%.

A Library Board, appointed every four years by Essex County Council, in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, has 4 members from the current County Council. The Board is responsible for setting policy and reviewing the overall performance of the Library.  The Board’s budget is approved annually by County Council.

Municipal restructuring has meant that all public library services in the County are now provided through the Essex County Library.  County residents can access the resources of the entire system through any branch library. 

The local municipalities have been striving to address the physical barriers that exist in some of the older library facilities in order to make the buildings more accessible for all patrons.  In some instances, like in the Town of Essex, library branches have been relocated to more accessible buildings.  The Town of Kingsville will be opening a new library in March 2010, replacing the inaccessible Carnegie Library. It is anticipated that the existing McGregor Library will also be closing, with the relocation of that branch to a new Community Centre in McGregor in the coming year.

The Essex County Library Board expanded and enhanced their on-line library services by providing eAudioBooks and eBooks available for download through their website.  As well as the online resources available, they have books in large print format and DVD’s with closed captioning. 

To take advantage of the on-line services offered by the Essex County Library, visit their web site at Essex County Library.