GRAND VALLEY- On Thursday, local MPP Sylvia Jones met with the team at the Grand Valley Public Library to hear more about the $20,000 Seed grant awarded to the Town of Grand Valley by the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funds supported the Grand Valley Public Library’s new and innovative Library of Things initiative.
“The Grand Valley Public Library continues to find innovative ways to bring people together and expand opportunities for residents of all ages,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support, the new Library of Things will make recreation more accessible, encourage active living and help ensure more individuals and families can enjoy healthy, engaging activities in our community.”
This initiative will provide free access to a variety of sports equipment and outdoor games that patrons can borrow with their library card, just as they would borrow books. The project will promote active living, community engagement, and support accessible outdoor recreation for individuals of all ages, background, and abilities. The Library of Things was constructed and now is housed in a mobile storage unit inside the Grand Valley Public Library that will work to address physical and mental wellness by offering free recreational equipment. This lending library will offer flexible, noncommittal access to sports and outdoor equipment that encourages movement, social engagement and exploration of new interests.
“By providing a broad selection of equipment and activities at no cost, we aim to promote equitable access to recreation, foster stronger community connections and encourage inclusive participation in healthy and active lifestyles. We cannot convey how much this will mean to our library and our community as a whole,” sad Sarah McTaggart, Programs and Outreach Manager with the Grand Valley Public Library.
“This lending library will empower individuals and families to engage in fun and active pastimes without financial or logistical barriers, reinforcing the library’s involvement as an inclusive hub for community enrichment,” said Lenora Banfield, Grand Valley Public Library Board Chair.
The Grand Valley Public Library is a community focused Library that believes that social and educational development enriches the community as a whole. As such, the library delivers programs and services that are inclusive, equitable and accessible to all.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario Government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Sarah McTaggart, Programs and Outreach Manager
Grand Valley Public Library
519-938-6031
programs@grandvalley.org