Warkworth library to get faster internet service

Ontario increases funding for rural libraries

Warkworth library branch.

The Warkworth branch of the Trent Hills Public Library will soon be getting faster internet service, thanks to an increase in provincial funding.

Last week, Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, announced that funding to help libraries in rural municipalities would increase 26 per cent or $122,000 to $582,000 for 2024.

Graeme Peters, Chief Librarian and CEO of Trent Hills Public Library, said the extra money will help the library since a percentage of its internet costs has been reimbursed yearly under the connectivity program.

Now, the province will pay the full cost of internet service, said Uppekha Allani, a spokesperson for Lumsden.

“Our investment through the annual Internet Connectivity Grant program ensures Ontarians have reliable access to the digital resources and in-demand services that they require to learn, grow and thrive,” she said.  

“For 2024, additional funding is being provided to fully reimburse the internet costs of public libraries that currently participate in the connectivity program and serve populations of 20,000 or less.”

Peters said the Trent Hills system is also getting broadband upgrades.

“In addition, our library has been chosen to receive broadband upgrades as part of the Ontario government’s Connecting Public Libraries initiative,” he said. “Under this initiative, connection will be improved to service speeds for all three library branches — Campbellford, Hastings, and Warkworth.

“The Warkworth branch stands to benefit the most, as it currently has the slowest internet speed of the three branches by far’” Peters said. “We’re very excited to be able to offer faster internet speeds to the community, as reliable internet service has traditionally been a challenge in some parts of Trent Hills.”

Peters said planning for the upgrades is still under way but he hopes the improvements will be in place in a few months.