June 8th, 2020
Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things
By Kim Sproul, Community Development Manager
What an exciting year it has been for Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things!
This time last year, we were just starting on our supported employment project, made possible with a Seed grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation. It went on to become a HUGE success!
All smiles at EAFWR’s OTF grant recognition event. Pictured from left to right: Kate Pearce, Community Relations Manager at Waterloo Global Science Initiative; Eli Winterfeld, Former Community Development Coordinator at EAFWR; Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor for City of Kitchener; Laura Mae Lindo, MPP for Kitchener Centre; Nicole Arsenault, Library of Things Volunteer; Claudette Meyer, Practicum Librarian at Library of Things; Allan Mills, Executive Director of EAFWR; Gebre Berihun, OTF Grant Review Team Member; Carly Crooks, Practicum Librarian at Library of Things; Bader Barghout, Practicum Librarian at Library of Things; Beth Weisberg, Job Development Coordinator at Library of Things
We employed 5 people with disabilities as Practicum Librarians. These folks were incredible team members. Following these practicums, we finished the project with a volunteer boot camp – an ideal opportunity to learn skills to become a good volunteer for those who are not yet ready or wanting paid employment.
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- Claudette joined KWLOT as a volunteer before taking on the role of Practicuum Librarian
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- Simon, one of KWLOT’s Practicuum Libarians
Over the year, KWLOT also offered a series of free workshops around topics of interest to our members. Workshops like how to make use of gardening tools, a repair cafe, and a sustainable lifestyle workshop with various presenters.
Well, all this creativity became all the more necessary when COVID-19 hit. We were abruptly physically distant. Between curbside pickups/returns and social media to engage members, we are #virtuallyBetterTogetherWR
One thing I have loved is watching the evolution of the various roles. We have employed Operational Librarians and Practicum Librarians. We have welcomed Tool Librarians, Tool Doctors and Tool Whisperers to our volunteer team. Our KWLOT family has been growing and we have a LOT to be grateful for.
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