Updates

Annual General Meeting Minutes

Mon. March 23, 2026

1. Welcome from Judy Waher. Ten individuals were in attendance, including the Executive. The meeting started at 5:00pm.

2. Friends of Springwater Public Library Overview was presented. 2025 was a strong year for FOSPL with a nice scope of activities. FOSPL continues to refine their practices to strengthen the efficacy of the charity.

3. Cheque Presentation: FOSPL presented a check to the Springwater Library for the amount of $3,850. This was the 2nd donation, thus far, from the Friends. The recent donation enabled a library staff member to attend the OLA conference in Toronto; supported the updating of lending kits; and the purchase of stacking chairs. A photo was taken of the cheque presentation, to be shared on social media.

4. Financial Report: The financial report was delivered by Treasurer, Donna Carrick.

a) YTD finances were positive. Expenses for 2025 totaled $1,390. Revenue was $11,753.

b) The budget for 2026 is conservative with expenses projected at $1,640 and revenue projected at $11,950.

5. Membership drive: Membership numbers are static. The goal of increasing membership is to make more connections in order to increase community support for the Springwater Library. The membership process will be reviewed and updated following further discussions. Some ideas that were shared included: continuation with early access to book sales, lifetime membership, honorary membership for silent auction purchasers, and honorary corporate membership for silent auction donors.

6. We Lend a Hand Program: On Friday May 22, 2026, Springwater Library will host a showing of the documentary We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerette. This film tells the story of 40,000 teenage girls who volunteered on Canadian farms, between 1941 and 1952. These women worked to ensure critical food production during this tumultuous time. There are a number of local community groups supporting this event. There will be two showings at the Elmvale Community Hall, 1:00pm for students and 7:00pm for all. A motion was presented that FOSPL provide funds to subsidize the student admission up to $1,200. The motion was passed.

7. Library Report: The Library Report was delivered by CEO, Jodie Delgado. 2025 saw many positive events: new paint and lights; new Monday morning hours in Elmvale and Midhurst; a new website; first staff training day; and Springwater Library won Georgian Bay Reads with Estates Large and Small by Ray Robertson. Unfortunately, 2025 also saw a significant ice storm that flooded the lower level of the Elmvale branch.

Upcoming Library events include: AI Literacy (April); Battle of the Books (May), We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerette (May); and the Summer Reading Program. Springwater Library is thrilled to be hosting Georgian Bay Reads (Oct) and is seeking nominations for books.

The 2026 Springwater Library budget was presented and all requests were approved. A new manager of Public Services/Deputy CFO will start in April. A Community Librarian position (PT) is to be hired in late April/early May.

Jodie thanked FOSPL for their continued support of the Springwater Library.

8. Outreach and Fundraising events: Last year’s outreach and fundraising events were successful and will continue in 2026.

a) Maple Syrup Festival: Due to last year’s flooding of the Elmvale Library's lower level, the book sale was moved outdoors. This year the book sale will return to the lower level of the Elmvale Branch. FOSPL members will get early access to the sale.

b) Farmers’ Market Booth: The Farmers’ Market will run from Thursday June 11th to Aug 27th from 3-7pm. FOSPL's new banner, generously donated by Donna Kenwell, and logo tablecloth and shelving, to be purchased from the funds donated from The Maple Syrup Committee, will be exciting additions to the booth.

c) Silent Auction: The 2025 Silent Auction was a hard earned success. FOSPL continues to need more people to work in this event. Storage space at the Elmvale Branch has been requested.

Other potential fundraisers were briefly discussed such as: a garden tour (possibly partner with EDGE), Victorian Tea, and a documentary about Ukraine (possibly partner with Springwater Township culture/heritage with a viewing at EDHS).

Additional outreach events include: Midhurst Autumnfest (Sept 26), Anten Mills Fall Event (Sept 26), Elmvale Fall Fair (Oct 9th and 10th) Santa Claus Parades Elmvale (early Dec.) and Anten Mills (mid. Dec.), and the Elmvale Tree lighting (late Nov.).

9. Advocacy Activity Update: This is a municipal election year (Oct 26). Jodie Delgado explained that libraries are non-partisan. FOSPL can be more active, possibly endorsing “Library Friendly Candidates.” The Library Board turns over with each municipal election.

10. Other Business: A call for nominations for executive positions was made. No nominations were received. The following individuals were acclaimed for the 2026-2027 term: Donna Kenwell - President, Judy Waher- Vice President, Donna Carrick-Treasurer, and Jennifer Fleming- Secretary.

11. Next Meeting: Third week in September.

12. Adjournment 6:40 pm