Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN - On April 17, Lucan library visitors joined to celebrate National Canadian Film Day with a screening of BlackBerry, the darkly comedic story of the meteoric rise and fall of the famous Canadian smartphone. The event was free to attend, thanks to Reel Canada and the support of Middlesex County Library.
“You are one of millions of people watching a Canadian film today in every corner of the country and around the world,” said Supervisor Leigh Robinson in her opening remarks. “Our stories give us strength in our diversity and creativity — they’re worth showing up for.”
But the film screening was just one part of the broader impact the Lucan Library is making. In August 2023, the branch launched a food pantry pilot project, providing emergency food supplies to those in need. It’s a grassroots initiative supported by the Prairie Food Bank, the local Legion, and generous community members.
“This project is about reaching people who may need help but haven’t quite taken the step to visit a full food bank,” said Robinson. “We’re very fortunate — everyone works together here. People can just bring in items and drop them off, and we ask that they be non-expired, undamaged, and store-bought.”
As demand and interest have grown, the pantry model has begun expanding to other branches in Middlesex County, helping ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
Meanwhile, the branch is also gearing up for its 2024 Summer Reading Program for children — a much-loved initiative that welcomed over 300 participants last year. “We really put a lot of time and effort into making the library a destination for families in the summertime,” Robinson said. “We want it to be fun, welcoming, and something kids look forward to.”
The Lucan Library continues to offer a wide range of programs, including “Zoombeanie” for babies — launching later this spring — and monthly “Acoustic Afternoons” for adults, held on the fourth Friday of each month.
April also brings the return of the seed library, where residents can pick up free packets of seeds sponsored by the Friends of the Lucan Library and Langford Home Hardware. It’s a simple but impactful way to encourage local gardening and food security.
“I love many things about Lucan, but one of the best is how everyone — individuals, businesses, and organizations — comes together to support one another,” said Robinson. “It makes our work easier because we’re not doing it alone.”
