Library News

Libraries have traditionally been underfunded public assets, in part due to the difficulty in placing dollar values on the inherently intangible, human-based benefits they provide. A team of researchers from the Ontario Library Service and the NORDIK Institute Algoma University created the ‘Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit’ (VOLT) to do exactly that.

This comprehensive resource uses a community’s profile and key service indicators to assign a dollar value to its library’s contribution to the local economy, cultural and regional identity, civic engagement, educational development, inclusion and wellbeing, library spaces, and entertainment and leisure opportunities. Collectively, these calculations determine a library's annual Social Return on Investment (SROI).

The SROI calculations apply comparative market dollar values to library resources. In other words, the dollar values reflect what is charged for the same resource in the private sector. The NORDIK Institute and the Ontario Library Service identified comparative and surrogate values for each of the services, programs, or collections items offered by public libraries for the SROI framework.

The toolkit found that West Perth Public Library provided a total economic benefit of $3 834 783 to the community in 2024. Dividing that SROI by the 2021 census population of 9038 indicates a value of $537 per person, or $1322 more per household than the levy cost of library service.

In a business setting, research states that a good return on investment (ROI) is 10- 15% depending on the sector. Using the same calculation, West Perth Public Library’s SROI in 2024 was 1542%

VOLT Report Infographic

Since 2007, West Perth Public Library's Friends group of volunteers raised money for the library by several very successful book sales and special events. The group, however, has been inactive since the pandemic, and has formally disbanded. We extend our deepest gratitude to the members for their tireless efforts to showcase the Library as a welcoming, fun place for everyone in the community. Funds left over from past events have been donated back to the Library to put toward a water bottle refill station.

From the Office of the CAO Department: Economic Development & Tourism Division - The PC Connect Library Bus Pass pilot program is coming to an end on Dec 31, 2023. The program has been a massive success, providing over 1100 FREE rides to library patrons! The last day to borrow a PC Connect Bus Pass will be Dec. 30, 2023 (depending on availability). As we gear up to conclude this program, we're grateful for the positive impact it's had on our community. While this chapter closes, a new one opens, and we're eager to explore more ways to serve you in 2024. PC Connect Library Bus Passes will not be accepted in 2024.