Community consultation for the 2022 Library Facilities Plan identified expanded hours as the requested service priority at branches across Kingston-Frontenac. Additional requests included expanded print collections and digital collections.
The municipalities and the Library face increasing funding pressures. The Library is seeking innovative ways to delivery service within these financial constraints
The Pittsburgh Branch is located in an area of significant development and requires a major renovation and expansion. This need for increased space and hours of service in this growing community was noted in the 2004 Kingston Frontenac Public Library Branch Services Review; the need has grown with ongoing development in the area. This expansion has been in the Library’s capital plan for several years.
The Extended Hours Pilot Project was included in the Library’s 2022 capital plan, and the Library’s budget request to the City of Kingston was approved by Council.
The goal of the pilot project is to increase access to and use of the Pittsburgh Branch leading into the branch expansion. The effectiveness of Extended Hours will be evaluated using data and feedback from staff and patrons.
KFPL staff will engage the community throughout the implementation process.
Extended Hours Pilot Project Timeline
Fall 2021
- Branch Hours Review Community Survey
December 2021
- Community Information Open Houses
Spring 2022
Summer 2022
- Review Library Facilities Plan recommendations
Fall 2022
- Extended Hours Project planning phase
- Fall 2022 Consultation with Kingston East residents to gather feedback on recommended implementation and risk mitigation strategies.
- Project Report to the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board
January 2023
- Consult residents of Kingston East and other potential users of the Pittsburgh Branch on the best times/days for staffed operation and for Extended Hours operation.
Fall 2023 - Fall 2024
- Extended Hours Pilot Project
- Survey on user satisfaction and opportunities for improvement. Read the Public Engagement Report [PDF 174 kb].
- The Library Board approved a motion at their November 27, 2024 meeting to make the project permanent and add Sunday hours (mid October - mid April) effective January 5, 2025
January 2025
- Extended Hours on Sunday (mid October - mid April) from 1 - 5 p.m. start at the Pittsburgh Brach
Get Involved
Updates on the process will be posted on the project’s Community Consultation page, and will be shared on our website and social media channels. Subscribe to our Engage KFPL newsletter to receive updates by email.
We will also use our other newsletters and in-branch displays to connect community members to the discussion.
Questions or additional comments can be sent via email to engage@kfpl.ca.
