The Nation Municipality has received a $26,000 grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.) to launch a revitalization project designed to rebuild and strengthen the municipal library system following a period of closure and transition. This funding will help create welcoming spaces for families, add comfortable seating for readers, and introduce a musical instrument lending collection, offering residents new opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection.
“Our libraries are more than places to borrow books, they’re hubs for connection, creativity, and learning,” said Nicki Fontaine, Chair of the Library Board. “From programs like the musical instrument lending library to comfortable, inclusive spaces, this project ensures our branches remain vibrant places where residents of all ages can explore, learn, and grow. Thanks to The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Grant, we can invest in resources that support lifelong learning and community belonging!”
Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. initiative invested $400,000 in community grants this year, continuing its steady growth and impact across Ontario. Tim Shauf, President of The Commonwell, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “This year, the L.E.A.F. initiative saw an unprecedented $6.96 million in funding requests, underscoring how essential it is to the well-being of the communities we serve. At The Commonwell, we are committed to Building Member Value by caring beyond us and beyond now, and these projects represent real action behind that commitment, supporting communities where they are today and shaping stronger futures for the generations that follow.”
L.E.A.F.’s mission is simple: cultivate community resilience and capacity through program development and facility/resource upgrades in places where residents learn, play, engage, and gather.
For more details about The Nation Public Library’s “Strong Libraries, Stronger Communities” project visit leaf.thecommonwell.ca.
