No joke, Lincoln, Pelham merging their library systems on April 1st

Even though it’s officially happening April 1st, it’s no joke – Lincoln and Pelham are merging their two library systems together to create the new Lincoln Pelham Public Library.

“As part of the Libraries in Niagara Cooperative, we have been sharing our collections for years,” says Julie Andrews, the Chief Executive Officer of the newly amalgamated library system, “this merger will allow us to share our services, resources and programs and our excellent staff – who will continue to provide amazing service.”

The new library board has acknowledged they would be duplication of jobs but that no one will be let go. What they are planning, instead, is the creation of new positions within the system to keep all hands on deck.

“Creating efficiencies is a benefit of joining our library systems,” says Donna Burton, Library Board member, “and we will create some exciting new staff positions through removing duplication.”

And, of course, as technology advances, so too will the newly amalgamated library system.

“We are excited to be able to focus on technology and our Makerspaces,” agrees Nicole Nolan, Board member, “and our new Digital Strategies Librarian will offer expertise and help to decrease the digital divide.”

The bottom line for the new set-up seems to be less administration and more front line staffing and initiatives.

Pelham will be connecting with one of the few library systems that has an ‘Acknowledged Land Statement.’ On Lincoln’s website, the library pays homage to those who used to (and in a few cases, still do) inhabit the space on which they are now built.

It reads: “Lincoln Public Library is located on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples from the beginning. In particular, we acknowledge the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. We also recognize the contributions First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community, our province and our country.”