SMITHS FALLS – Four months after reopening its doors, the newly renovated Smiths Falls Public Library is seeing more visitors, stronger circulation, and record engagement in its children’s programs.
Library CEO Amanda Foster presented the first post-renovation report to Smiths Falls council Oct. 27, describing the summer as “experimental but busy.”
“Programming went very well and many of our children’s events were at capacity,” she said. “People were eager to see the new space, and it’s been wonderful to see them using it as a true community hub.”
Visitors and circulation up
Library visits rose sharply compared with the same period in 2024. From June through September, in-person visits climbed from 1,547 to 2,346 in June and peaked at 4,119 in July. Borrowing also increased, with physical circulation reaching 3,087 items in July, up from 2,509 a year earlier.
The library has gained 51 new active cardholders since reopening, bringing the total to 1,668. Foster said the curiosity around the children’s department drew many visitors who stopped in simply to look at the renovations.
“We’ve had a surprising number of people come in without kids just to see the space,” she told councillors. “We’ve also noticed a real uptick in people using the library as a ‘third place,’ somewhere to be outside of home and work.”
Accessibility upgrades, including a new lift, have made the children’s area easier to reach. “It’s been common to see five or six strollers upstairs during a program,” Foster said. “That’s a big change from before, when families had to navigate the basement.”
Summer programs draw praise
The Smiths Falls Public Library staff surveyed families after its first full season of programming in the new space. Respondents rated the overall experience 4.5 out of 5, with robotics and eco-literacy programs topping the list of favourites.
Only one parent reported a disappointing session (a movie screening), while most others said they preferred weekday afternoon programs, matching the schedule already offered.
Foster credited a new online booking system with improving attendance. “It sends automatic reminders and manages a waiting list, so we’re seeing far fewer no-shows,” she explained.
Capital campaign success
Councillor Chris McGuire asked about the library’s capital fundraising.
Foster said the campaign brought in about $46,000, adding that staff are pleased with both the financial support and community enthusiasm for the project.
Councillor Jennifer Miller, who represents council on the library board, thanked Foster and her team for “their patience and perseverance through a long renovation.”
“It looks amazing in there,” she said. “They were either packing or cleaning every day through that whole move.”
Foster said programming levels have now exceeded pre-pandemic numbers. “In terms of visitors and circulation, we’re back to normal,” she said. “But programming is better than it’s been in at least five years.”
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