Pickering Public Library Honoured With Minister's Award for Innovation Pickering, ON, February 8, 2005 - On February 3, 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Culture awarded the Pickering Public Library system with the prestigious Minister's Award for Innovation for its groundbreaking partnership program with the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library. The Pickering Public Library system's milestone partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library is the first of its kind where a municipal library and a First Nation counterpart share resources to enhance existing services and enrich the overall library experience for their patrons. In this collaboration, the Pickering Public Library will periodically redirect titles that are duplicated, donated or no longer needed to the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library. In exchange, Pickering will receive cultural resources such as storytellers and performance groups. The Pickering Public Library is accustomed to winning its share of accolades as the Ministry of Culture has previously honoured it on four separate occasions with its Award of Innovation and Award of Excellence. "Ontario has one of the best library systems in the world and we must celebrate the innovation and partnerships that are driving the future of our libraries, " said the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Culture. "The City of Pickering is very proud that its public library is recognized by the Minister of Culture as being one of the most innovative libraries in the province, if not the entire country," said Mayor Dave Ryan. "While the partnership is very low in cost, it will provide significant benefits to the residents of our two communities. It is this type of creative thinking and commitment to excellence that is strengthening Pickering's leadership status among municipalities." In 2004, the Pickering Public Library experienced an historic moment when it checked out its one-millionth item within the same calendar year. Combined with the Minister's Award for Innovation, the Pickering Public Library now has a million and one reasons to celebrate. "Winning this award is a great honour and validates much of the hard work we put forth in 2004," said Pickering Public Library CEO Cynthia Mearns. "Most importantly, we have established an important link with a community that is steeped in culture, history and tradition. This helps us fulfill our mandate of providing original and meaningful programming to our valued patrons."
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