Wikwemikong Public Library
The Wikwemikong Public Library has implemented a “Wikwemikong Three Fires Archival Resource Centre”, assisted by Library Strategic Development Fund support.  This First Nation band library, working with the Wikwemikong Heritage Organization and support from education sector and other partners, has developed Native Language Resource Tools for Wikwemikong parents to assist with newly implemented Anishnabemowin (native language) Immersion school programming and language usage within the home.  Wikwemikong is home to the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomie nations and the digital and print tools of the kit address dialect differences.   Resource tools developed through the project include language and curriculum support booklets and CDs, and a Language & Resource Information Binder complete with resource bins for educators.  The project included the participation of elders who delivered presentations on various topics, the participation of artisans, and outreach programs to schools.  Educational resources developed through the project, can be a model for other First Nations public libraries and their partners.  The project helped locally position the library and archival resource centre, built community awareness about resources that both the people and the library have, and helped forge an ongoing partnership with the Wikwemikong Board of Education.

Leonard E. Shore Memorial Library
(The Town of the Blue Mountains)

Leonard E. Shore Memorial Library developed a “take pART” program that reached into the community by establishing partnerships with artists, and offering programs at times and sites most convenient to participants in a rural area.  The program had a foundation in literacy and used the library’s resources.  In one year, the program provided a high quality of arts instruction and reached 634 children and youth ranging in age up to 21 years, and their families.  This represents a substantial participation rate in a municipality with only 5,289 households.

Hastings Highlands

Hastings Highlands "Teen Zone": This project provided a place where students can go to receive help with homework, literacy, and research skills. The "Teen Zone" was created with project support, increased the library's profile and included assistance from a Teen Advisory Council. This project was developed in partnership with the local Metis Council.