Grey Highlands Public Library

The Grey Highlands Public Library is a Canadian nonprofit organization serving the residents of Grey Highlands and several surrounding municipalities. It operates as a public library system with a focus on providing accessible library services, resources, and programming to its community. The library is registered under the Business Registration Number 899773600RR0001.

Overview

The Grey Highlands Public Library comprises three physical branches located in Flesherton, Markdale, and Kimberley, Ontario. In addition to its physical locations, it offers a virtual eBranch that allows users to access resources and services online 24/7. The library serves not only Grey Highlands but also contractual municipalities including West Grey, Southgate, and Chatsworth, offering free membership to residents and property owners within these areas[1][2][3].

Branches

• Flesherton Branch
  Located at 101 Highland Drive, Flesherton, this branch provides a range of services including book lending, free computer access, wireless internet, local history and genealogical resources, and facilities for public use. It also offers children's programming such as story hours and summer reading programs, as well as homebound delivery services for those unable to visit the library in person[1][5].

• Markdale Branch (Walter Harris Memorial Library)
  Situated at 75 Walker Street, Markdale, this branch has extended hours including evenings and Saturdays. It supports a full suite of library services, including material lending, public access computer stations, and community programming[1][2].

• Kimberley Branch
  Found at 235309 Grey Road 13 near Kimberley, this branch operates on a limited schedule with services tailored to the needs of the local community, including access to physical and digital materials and public amenities[1][2].

Services and Resources

The library provides traditional lending services for books, DVDs, and other media as well as digital access through its eBranch, where patrons can search the catalog, place holds, and access electronic books and reference materials. It also facilitates Service Ontario access points, enabling community members to manage government services such as health card applications and vehicle registrations onsite. Additional services include printing, photocopying, faxing (for a fee), and booking of library facilities[4][5].

Membership

Library cards are free for individuals who live, work, or own property in Grey Highlands and the contracting municipalities. Membership allows borrowing privileges and access to digital collections and services. Non-residents may be subject to fees for membership[3][5].

Community Engagement

Grey Highlands Public Library actively supports literacy and lifelong learning through various community programs including children's story hours, summer reading and day camps, and historical and genealogical research support. It also offers home delivery services for individuals with disabilities or extended illness, ensuring wide accessibility[5].

The Grey Highlands Public Library plays a vital role in fostering community learning and access to information across Grey Highlands and neighboring areas, combining traditional library services with digital innovations to meet the evolving needs of its patrons.