User:ChrisWilliam1995/sandbox

Clarington Public Library, Museum and Archives (CLMA), formerly the Clarington Public Library, is a public library and museum system based in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. It currently has four library branches, located in Bowmanville, Courtice, Orono, and  Newcastle, as well as three museum locations.

History
In 2003, the Clarington Public Library was established as a separate entity created the Clarington Municipal Council through By-law 2003-188 in accordance with the Public Libraries Act.

In 2009, a library branch was opened in Newcastle.

In 2015, the Courtice

The Clarington Public Library finished in second place at the 2018 TD Summer Reading Club Awards, managed by Library and Archives Canada and TD Bank. Their summer reading program had a record number of children registered to read.

In 2019, the Bowmanville library branch was approved for $1.3 million accessibility renovation. The library initially planned on undergoing extensive renovations of the branch, but those plans were put on hold so Clarington could consider building a new library branch in south Bowmanville. The renovations were completed in 2020, which included an accessible front entrance, an accessible washroom, and improved service desks and a smoother, more consistent flooring.

In 2020, the Clarington Public Library amalgamated with the Clarington Museums and Archives, based on a recommendation from council. This merger resulted in the formation of the current Clarington Public Library, Museums & Archives, which now offers integrated services including library resources, museum collections, and archival materials

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the library expanded their physical collections and services to include access to eBooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines. They also introduced a "Borrow by Mail" service where the library mails borrowed materials to users by mail. In addition, the museum offered virtual genealogy and educational history sessions.

Beginning in 2023, the Orono Library branch underwent accessibility renovations which included a fully accessible entrance and a universal washroom. The renovations were completed and unveiled in April 2024.

In 2024, CLMA was awarded the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom by the Ontario Library Association The award, which was also given to the other Durham Region libraries as well as the Durham Children's Aid Society, was in honour of their Drag Queen Storytime events and for defending the rights of all library patrons.

Governance
Like all public libraries in Ontario, the Clarington Public Library is governed by the Public Libraries Act. This legislation establishes the framework for public library governance, including the requirement for a library board to oversee the library's operations.

The Clarington Public Library is governed by the Public Library Board, which is appointed by Clarington Municipal Council. The Board is comprised of eight citizen board members and one member of Council.

The Public Library Board hires a Chief Executive Office (CEO), who manages the operations of the library. The current CEO of the Clarington Public Library is Monika Machacek.


 * Edith Hopkins (2003-2014)
 * Linda Kent (2014-2022)
 * Monika Machacek (2022-present)

Collections
The Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) offers a rich and diverse collection that goes beyond traditional library materials. Their unique "Library of Things" allows patrons to borrow unconventional items such as binoculars, bird watching kits, and even telescopes, encouraging exploration of the natural world. For tech enthusiasts, the collection includes Chromebooks and mobile hotspots, ensuring digital access for all community members. The CLMA also caters to creative pursuits with their "Craft Corner," featuring Cricut machines and sewing machines available for loan. Additionally, the library supports early literacy and child development through their collection of literacy kits and STEAM kits, designed to make learning engaging and interactive for young patrons. These specialized collections demonstrate the CLMA's commitment to providing innovative resources that support lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement.

Edwardian tea events are held each summer on the property of the Waverley Place museum in Bowmanville, in partnership with the Bowmanville Older Adults Assocation (BOAA).