The Shelburne Public Library saw big
changes last year and adopted a renewed fo-
cus on the library’s role as a cornerstone of
community life.
The biggest of the changes was Shannon
McGrady was appointed CEO. She succeed-
ed Rose Dotten in the role. McGrady said the
year was defi ned by its changes.
“2025 was the year of change for SPL,”
McGrady said. “Staff, patrons, and the board
navigated a time of unprecedented (and
fast) change with the grace and community
spirit we’ve become known for.”
Despite the changes, the library contin-
ued its commitment to deliver a high level
of programming to draw residents through
its doors.
One of the year’s biggest highlights was
national recognition for the TD Summer
Reading Program. The library placed third
among libraries across Canada and McGrady
said it was an achievement especially mean-
ingful given its size.
Participation in the Adult Summer Read-
ing Challenge also increased, signaling a
growing engagement beyond children’s pro-
gramming.
Another milestone in 2025 was the fi rst
anniversary of the Shelburne Public Library
Kiosk at Foodland. The offsite location has
expanded access to library materials while
partnering with local businesses, offering
residents a convenient way to browse and
borrow books as part of regular routines.
McGrady said the way patrons use the li-
brary also continued to evolve. Increasingly,
the library has become a place for technolo-
gy assistance.
“Increasingly, patrons are turning to us for
their tech needs,” she said. “Whether that is
help with printing forms or downloading eb-
ooks from the library, we’ve become known
as the go-to place for tech help.”
McGrady assumed the helm partway
through the year and said getting to know
both staff and patrons quickly became a top
priority.
Looking ahead, she has identifi ed youth
engagement, community connection, and in-
clusive programming as key areas of focus,
with new initiatives such as a Teen Advisory
Board and wellness-focused programming
planned for 2026.
“A strong public library is the cornerstone
of a healthy community,” McGrady said. “My
goal in 2026 is to connect with our residents
as we continue to work together to shape
Shelburne Public Library into a dynamic hub
that embodies our community’s values and
aspirations.”
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