The Rotary Club of St. Marys welcomed Sarah Andrews, CEO of the St. Marys Public Library, who spoke about the evolving role of modern libraries and shared an update on the 14 Church Street project (“Community Commons”). Her presentation highlighted growing demand for public space, expanded programming needs, and how the proposed shared facility could support community partners and services.
Sarah spoke about the changing role of public libraries — not only as places for collections and reading, but as important community hubs that support a wide range of literacies, including computer and technical skills, health literacy, and services connected to employment, retirement, and social connection. She noted that demand for programs and meeting space in the current library continues to exceed capacity, with the library’s single large meeting room and existing computer area limiting what can be offered.
A major focus of Sarah’s presentation was the 14 Church Street project, referred to as “Community Commons.” She explained that it has been decades since significant capital investment in library space, and that this project represents an opportunity to create additional public space in a central location. Sarah emphasized that the library’s goal is to be a tenant and partner, not the exclusive user of the facility, and that the vision is a shared community solution where programming, learning, meetings, and social time can all take place.
Sarah described how this expanded space could support local partners who are also experiencing space constraints, including community programming organizations and agencies currently using temporary shared space at the library. She referenced examples of services that residents currently travel out of town to access, and how co-locating services could make support more accessible within St. Marys.
Sarah also outlined proposed features of the space, including a large main-floor room, computer lab, makerspace, sound studios, adult learning space, and smaller meeting rooms. Accessibility was addressed, including an elevator and accessible washrooms in the proposed facility. She noted that the facility would initially mirror library hours, while still exploring the possibility of after-hours use by community partners.
Sarah invited the community to learn more through public information already available through Council, and mentioned that the library is taking the lead on a campaign titled “Love Your Library, Build a Legacy.” She noted that the library reports a social return on investment and shared that the library’s reported social return is approximately $4.66 for every $1 invested by the municipality.
A question-and-answer period followed, including discussion of naming opportunities, fundraising progress to date, the campaign goal (approximately $1 million, including grants), and an emphasis that the project is not intended to increase taxes, with funding expected through a combination of reserves, donations, and grants.
The Rotary Club of St. Marys thanks Sarah Andrews for an informative presentation and for sharing an update on a project with significant long-term community impact.