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

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

We’re dreaming big — and we need your help to make it happen!

If we can receive grant funding, “The Forge” will be a creative makerspace at Renfrew Public Library, where community members of all ages can learn, build, and innovate together. Show your support (in less than 1 minute!) by visiting the link below and leaving your name and message on our project page. Every show of support brings us closer to building this exciting new space!

CLICK HERE to support our Makerspace Project!

Need a hand? Stop by the Circulation Desks — we’ll happily assist you in adding your support!

#TheForgeRPL#CommunityInnovation#SupportLocal#RenfrewPublicLibrary

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

We’re celebrating Ontario Public Library Week with a cinematic first for RPL! On Thursday, October 23, the Renfrew Public Library invites you to a special Small Town Shorts Film Festival Preview—a one-night event featuring locally submitted short films that highlight our community, our library, and small-town life.

About Small Town Shorts

The original Small Town Shorts Film Festival was created by the Marmora & Lake Public Library and the Trent Hills Public Library. With their permission, Renfrew Public Library—together with our partners at Arnprior Public Library—is excited to bring our own version of the festival to the Ottawa Valley. Our full festival will launch in spring 2026, with its own unique theme and community focus.
👉 Learn more about the original festival HERE.

What you’ll see on October 23rd

This year’s preview evening will feature short films submitted by our own community, with a special focus on stories about the Renfrew Public Library, local life, and what makes our small town special. It’s your chance to:

• Show your creativity by submitting a short film for the preview event.
• See your community on screen alongside your neighbours and friends.
• Get inspired to participate in the larger festival coming in 2026.

Event details

📅 Thursday, October 23
📍 Renfrew Public Library
⏰ Doors open at 6:15 PM | Screening begins at 6:30 PM

Admission is free during Ontario Public Library Week, but seating is limited. Visit our Programs page for submission guidelines, registration, and more details.

Job Opportunity: Student Page at Renfrew Public Library

Are you a high school student looking for a part-time job? Join the Renfrew Public Library as a Student Page and help support our daily operations!

📅 Apply by: Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at 4:00 PM

📩 How to Apply:
Submit your resume (MS Word or PDF format) to hr@renfrew.ca.

Job Ad with full details below: