Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas, experiences, and hopes for the future of our library. Through meaningful conversations and community input, your voices helped shape a plan that reflects who we are and where we’re going!

Our updated mission : “Through discovery, innovation, inclusion, and connection, we empower our community to learn, grow, and thrive.”

This plan is more than a roadmap – it focuses on our vision of an inclusive and innovative community where everyone can connect, create, and access information equitably, today and into the future. It is our commitment to building a library that welcomes everyone, sparks curiosity, supports lifelong learning, and strengthens community connections.

We invite you to explore the plan and see how your voice helped shape the future of the Renfrew Public Library!

Read the full Strategic Plan HERE

#RenfrewPublicLibrary #StrategicPlan #RenfrewPublicLibraryBoard #DiscoveryInnovationInclusionConnection

While the building is closed today, make sure to check out our e-resources, including e-books and e-audiobooks and other streaming services! Or get started learning a new language – all available for FREE with your library card!

When the Library transitioned to a fine‑free model in 2021, we did not anticipate the significant increase in demand for our Beyond Books collections, especially items like hotspots and Chromebooks. To ensure equitable access for all patrons and to support the replacement of damaged or unreturned equipment, we now need to update and reintroduce fines for select high‑demand items.

Fines will now apply to overdue equipment, including:

• Explorer Backpacks and Astronomy Kits
• Snowshoes, walking poles and other equipment
• Museum and park passes
• Wi‑Fi hotspots
• Chromebooks

These items will accrue a $5/day fine if returned late.

We truly appreciate everyone who returns items on time. Because many of these resources are in high demand and often limited to a single copy, these fines are intended to help ensure timely returns so that more community members can enjoy them. Funds collected from overdue fines will directly support the replacement of damaged or unreturned technology.

Make sure to check out all the upcoming programs this March! Register online HERE

Each year, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s Ontario Public Library Service Awards shine a spotlight on the creativity, dedication, and innovation happening in public libraries across the province. With two awards and three library-size categories (small, medium, and large), six outstanding recipients are recognized annually.
This year, we are thrilled to share that the Renfrew Public Library received the prestigious Minister’s Award for Innovation for our New Horizons for Seniors: Golden Growth project! This honour celebrates programs that spark meaningful change, uplift communities, and create lasting value for public libraries, and we are incredibly proud to have our work recognized on such a provincial stage
at the OLA Super Conference in Toronto.

A huge and heartfelt congratulations to our staff member and project manager, Madeline Woodfine, whose hard work brought this project to life. And of course, thank you to our amazing community! Your enthusiasm, participation, and ongoing support make innovation possible and keep our Library growing brighter every year.
Here’s to continued creativity, collaboration, and community
impact at the Renfrew Public Library!

The Renfrew Public Library Board announces that Kelly Latendresse, Library CEO and Director of Community and Recreational Services, will be departing the Town of Renfrew on January 19th, 2026, as she begins a new chapter with the Ottawa Public Library.

Kelly leaves behind a decade of dedicated service to both the Town of Renfrew and the Renfrew Public Library, during which she was instrumental in revitalizing the library, strengthening community programming, enhancing services, and guiding the organization through meaningful growth.

Acting Board Chair Hayley Heaslip shared that the community is encouraged to reach out to Kelly to thank her for “her guidance, incredible work, time, and passion for the Renfrew Public Library,” noting that Kelly’s leadership has left “a meaningful and lasting impact on this incredible community resource.”  Several trustees echoed this sentiment. Trustee Jane Donnelly reflected that “the library has flourished under her leadership, and we will greatly miss her passion and drive,” while Trustee Lauren Davidson added simply and sincerely, “We are very sorry to see her go.” During this transition, internal staff will oversee Library operations to ensure continuity of service as the Library Board determines its path forward.

The Renfrew Public Library Board and all of the staff extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kelly Latendresse for her years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Library and the Renfrew community. We wish her every success as she begins this exciting new opportunity!

Make sure to check out all the upcoming programs this January! Register online HERE