Middlesex County Library Board Meeting Highlights – September 22, 2026
Library Board Highlights is an informal summary of selected actions taken by the Middlesex Library Board at business meetings. The Library Board Highlights are not an official record of Board proceedings. To view official agendas and minutes, please visit Middlesex Meetings and Minutes.
2027 Library Budget Discussion
Middlesex County Library Board discussed opportunities to align the 2027 budget with strategic priorities. The upcoming budget will focus on how the library can create exceptional experiences, expand its reach, and support lifelong learning.
The library aims to strengthen both traditional and digital services, reduce barriers to access, support staff development, and create engaging spaces that foster creativity and curiosity. Plans also include expanding partnerships with schools, Indigenous communities, and local organizations while continuing to develop libraries as community hubs.
Opportunities identified for the 2027 budget include vehicle reserve contributions, replacement of the Ilderton Service Desk, implementation of the Facility Master Plan, Indigenous-led programming, and a library accreditation project. Board members also noted economic pressures and branch operations as ongoing challenges. Draft budgets will be submitted this fall before review by the Library Board and County Budget Committee. See the 2027 Library Budget Discussion presentation for more information.
EarlyON Program Reaches More Than 2,800 Participants in Second Quarter
Middlesex County Library Board received an overview of EarlyON programming in the second quarter of 2026. More than 1,600 children and 1,200 caregivers were uniquely served representing 2,846 unique participants and nearly 6,800 visits across in-person programs. Expanded evening and weekend programming also helped working families access services at more convenient times.
EarlyON delivered 309 programs and 590 hours of programming at 10 locations, while introducing new initiatives such as specialized programming to support children with autism and their families and the popular Little Sensory Seekers program. Child development remained a key focus through Kinder Connect, Ready Set Learn, and Check & Connect clinics, which completed 73 developmental screenings and connected families to specialized support services when needed.
Middlesex EarlyON strengthened partnerships with community agencies, expanded Indigenous cultural programming with Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, and offered virtual learning opportunities on topics including CPR, choking prevention, and kindergarten readiness. Looking ahead, EarlyON will continue enhancing kindergarten transition supports, exploring new themed programming, and expanding Indigenous resources and community partnerships.
For more information, read the EarlyON Program Update, Quarter 2 report.
Library Activity Report highlights major projects, community partnerships and upcoming fall events
The Middlesex County Library Board received updates on several strategic initiatives, technology improvements, and upcoming community programs across the library system.
Progress continues on the Library’s Facility Master Plan, with research, facility assessments, and community engagement activities now complete. Consultants are expected to present recommendations in October, helping guide future investments in library facilities, accessibility improvements, and service delivery across Middlesex County.
The Library also successfully completed a major software migration in June, transitioning collections, patron records, and circulation services to a new platform with minimal disruption. Staff are now preparing to launch a new mobile app to enhance access for patrons.
Looking ahead, branches will celebrate Ontario Public Library Week with themed activities from October 18 to 24, a costume swap is planned at the Lucan branch on September 28, and expanded Indigenous books and literacy resources will be available in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read the Library Activity Report for more information.
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