Library plans include patron requests

At the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives, we often remark that our best ideas come from our patrons (that’s you!) and this continues to be true as we head in to 2026. The majority of books the library purchases every year come from our readers who drop in and ask for the latest book by a favourite author or the next in the series they’re enjoying. Sometimes we also receive more general requests – “I wish you had more books about…”, and we use those comments in our planning as well. You can submit your requests for new books at peclibrary.org/rfp or ask us when you’re in the library.

Similarly, our most successful programming ideas originate from requests we hear at the six branches of the library.

As an example, over the past year or so, we’ve heard a number of inquiries about Artificial Intelligence – from the basic “What is it?”, to the practical, “How can I use it?” and more philosophical – “Is it ethical?”

From this, we developed a couple of different workshops addressing the topic from a variety of perspectives. As we are planning our technology workshops for the new year, this is a great time to share your questions.

If there’s a technology topic you think would make for a good workshop, please share your thoughts. If you have specific questions, a one-on-one tech help appointment might also be a good fit. You can book a time and sit with a tech person who will answer your individual questions. This is perfect if you’re encountering some frustrating technical headaches.

Author visits are another popular part of library programming. In addition to the long-running annual County Library Authors Festival in April, 2026 will also see our second year of special author visits in June in recognition of Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, part of a grant from the Huff Family Fund through the County Foundation.

We also plan individual author events throughout the year and truly appreciate all the local authors who choose to host book launches at the library. If there is an Ontario author you would be interested in hearing from at the library, please feel free to share your thoughts.

You can connect with me directly by email – liz@peclibrary.org – I’m always happy to hear any thoughts you might have about the library’s programming at any of the six branches. Our thanks to the Friends of the Library who share their ideas and suggestions for library programs year-round – this guidance is invaluable.

As we look ahead to the new year, a reminder that all recurring room bookings expire at the end of the calendar year. If you use a room for private meetings, make your 2026 requests at peclibrary.org or call (613) 476-5962.

The Picton Branch has several meeting rooms ranging from the large flex space to smaller study rooms, and the Wellington Branch meeting room is a good size for presentations and other events.