The Aylmer Library's Future

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Overview

Aylmer and Elgin County are both studying how to provide a larger, modern library for residents. Two paths are under consideration:

  1. Relocating the Aylmer Branch to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
  2. Redeveloping the library at or near its current downtown location.

At its January 14, 2026 meeting, Aylmer Council received a report titled Optimization Library Redevelopment Project and voted to refine the approved downtown concept and manage costs before moving forward. In parallel, the EECC, working with Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide, is reviewing potential costs for leasehold improvements to accommodate the

Overview

Aylmer and Elgin County are both studying how to provide a larger, modern library for residents. Two paths are under consideration:

  1. Relocating the Aylmer Branch to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
  2. Redeveloping the library at or near its current downtown location.

At its January 14, 2026 meeting, Aylmer Council received a report titled Optimization Library Redevelopment Project and voted to refine the approved downtown concept and manage costs before moving forward. In parallel, the EECC, working with Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide, is reviewing potential costs for leasehold improvements to accommodate the library.

Options Under Review

Two active options are under review.

  1. Relocation to EECC: Renovating space within Imperial Hall at the EECC, alongside other community facilities.
  2. Downtown redevelopment: Expanding the Old Town Hall to house the library in a new addition, keeping it in the downtown core.

These options remain under evaluation by the Councils of Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide.

Why It Matters

The library is an important space for learning, connection, and community programs. Where it’s located can affect how easy it is for people to visit, how it serves different age groups, and how it supports Aylmer’s downtown or other areas. Some considerations include:

  1. Space & services: The County’s analysis shows the current Old Town Hall location has limited space (collection space, dedicated program/meeting space, staff areas, washrooms, parking). A larger footprint is needed to meet service guidelines.
  2. Planning need & timelines: County established the 10,000 sq-ft target; lease terms for branches run to the end of 2027, with the County noting an earliest occupancy goal of Jan 1, 2028 if the EECC option proceeds.
  3. Community input continues to be gathered. In May 2025, the County hosted an open house (56 attendees) and survey (224 responses), with mixed views on relocation versus remaining downtown.

How You Can Participate

How Feedback is Considered

Community input helps Councils understand priorities and perspectives as the project is evaluated. All comments will be shared with Council for consideration. Feedback does not determine the outcome but informs decision-makers before further decisions are made.

What would you like to know about the future of the Aylmer Library?

We know the Aylmer Library is important to our community, and there’s been growing interest in its future. We want to keep you informed and hear what matters most to you.


What would you like to know about the future of the Aylmer Library?

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Page last updated: 20 Jan 2026, 08:07 PM