Libraries have always been known as places of learning and discovery, but in Essex County, they’re also places of connection, and community growth. With 14 branches and 15 locations, the Essex County Library system continues to evolve with the needs of the community, creating welcoming spaces where all are encouraged to connect, not just with knowledge, but with each other.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie Hatch, Manager of Support Services, who offered insight into the library system’s commitment to innovation and the importance of staying rooted in community values.
“It’s not always about what the library offers, it’s the social aspect,” said Hatch. “Social connection is the heart of the community.”
From rural towns to growing suburban areas, each library plays a unique role in the neighborhoods they serve. Whether it’s students doing homework after school, seniors reading the newspaper in the morning, newcomers accessing free Wi-Fi to connect with family overseas, or parents bringing children for story time, the libraries offer something deeper: a sense of place.
History in the Halls
Many of the buildings these branches are located in were donated by the town, some with fascinating histories of their own. The Comber branch, for instance, once served as both a medical center and a city hall, complete with a jail cell still visible today, tucked away like a hidden artifact of the past. Visitors sometimes stop to peek inside, a small reminder that these walls have seen many chapters of community life.
From left to right: IT intern Ewan Cross stands at the library front desk; inside the Leamington Library, public PCs are available for community use; Ewan examines a piece of networking equipment.
The Leamington branch is the newest full build, offering bright, modern spaces and expanded resources. Stony Point, on the other hand, is currently operating out of a temporary portable location. However, the community remains committed to finding a permanent facility that will serve residents for decades to come. And in Cottam, a brand-new library and community center is under construction, with completion targeted for the end of August.
“It’s amazing what community can do to build a town,” Natalie said. “Every branch we have is a result of people coming together and seeing the value of a shared space.”
A Day in the Life of a Branch
On any given afternoon, you might find a group of teens gathered around a table, helping each other with math homework. In another corner, a retiree might be sharing local history with a curious individual. Parents often arrive with children for story time, where laughter and sing-alongs fill the room.
Some people come in just for a few minutes, to print a document or use a computer for job applications. Others stay for hours, finding in the library the quiet focus they can’t get at home. For newcomers to Canada, the library is often one of their first community stops, providing language learning tools and connections to services.
These everyday moments are small, but they add up to something powerful: a web of relationships and shared experiences that tie people to their towns.
Embracing the Future
The Essex County Library team isn’t afraid to embrace change. Hatch emphasizes the importance of adopting new technologies when they better equip staff to serve the community and staff.
“If new tech comes around that could be better for our needs, we can’t be scared to jump on it.”
That approach has led to more than just upgraded computers. It means investing in eBook collections, and expanding digital resources.
It’s this desire to grow that ensures the library remains a place of information and innovation, while still maintaining the familiarity that make it feel like a home.
More Than Books
For some, the library is a quiet haven from the noise of daily life. For others, it’s a connection to the outside world. What makes Essex County Libraries special is their ability to be all of these things at once.
From after-school programs to community events, job search support, and literacy development, these libraries embody their unofficial motto: “Heart of the community.”
“Many people use the library for different reasons,” Hatch says, “but what they leave with is often the same – comfort and connection.”
In a world where so much of life happens online, the Essex County Library system offers something refreshingly different; a place where you can step inside and feel part of something bigger. As Hatch explains, that sense of belonging is what truly makes the libraries the heart of their communities.
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