Library releases survey to gather public feedback on new hours of operation in Dawn-Euphemia

Wyoming, ON – Residents of Dawn-Euphemia Township and Lambton County Library patrons are being asked for their feedback concerning expanded hours of operation coming to Florence Library in September following the scheduled permanent closure of Shetland Library on August 29, 2025.

In February, Councils of Dawn-Euphemia Township and Lambton County approved a recommendation to close Shetland Library due to an inability to renovate the library branch to meet accessibility standards. Both Councils agreed to double the hours of operation at nearby Florence Library, located approximately seven kilometres south of Shetland, from 12 hours per week to 24 hours per week.  Now, the library service is asking local residents and library patrons when it would be most convenient for them to visit the library as it considers what Florence Library’s new hours of operation will be in September. 

An online survey is available at lclibrary.ca/survey and paper copies are available at the Township of Dawn-Euphemia Municipal Office at 4592 Lambton Line, Rutherford until April 30, 2025.  Of the completed surveys, one random winner will receive a $100 grocery gift card.

“We are interested in hearing everyone’s opinion about when it would be most convenient for them to access Florence Library, whether they are current library cardholders or not,” said Darlene Coke, Manager, Library Services.  “Even if a resident is not currently a library card holder, we hope that in time they will learn that today, libraries offer so much more than just books, and the first step is finding hours of operation that are convenient for their lifestyle or household.”

Enhancements are planned for Florence Library including a new computer designed for children known as an Early Literacy Station, that is loaded with games and activities that build children’s literacy and numeracy skills.  The library’s interior space will also be re-organized to allow for an additional computer workstation and more shelving for a larger collection.  Efforts will also be made to better use the attached community hall space to design new programs or enter into new partnerships with other government agencies to deliver service in the community.

“Today, visitors to some of our libraries can borrow video games and DVDs, pick up garden seeds, attend a meeting with a representative from Service Canada to apply for Canada Pension, receive job search help from Lambton Works, learn to code, and of course, borrow books,” said Coke.  “At your local library, there is something for every age, and nearly every interest.  We are hopeful that with expanded hours at Florence Library, more local residents will stop in and discover the many benefits of being a Lambton County Library cardholder.”

Library cards are free for anyone who lives, works, studies, owns property in Lambton County, or is a resident of a First Nations community in Ontario. Lambton County Library also has reciprocal borrowing agreements with neighbouring library systems, members from these neighbouring systems, including Chatham-Kent Public Library, may register with Lambton County Library for free membership. For more information on how to become a Lambton County Library cardholder visit lclibrary.ca/apply.

-30-

Please contact: