The Library Team and the Library Board are excited to share news about the future home of the Embrun Branch Library.
You will find all updates on the Embrun Branch Renovation Project on this page.
October 16, 2025
Grant for the New Embrun Branch
We are proud to announce that the library’s project, “Enchanted Forest for Children”, has been selected as a recipient of the Desjardins Ontario Credit Union’s Community Development Fund.
The project will create a dedicated space for young children in the new library under construction in Embrun. The space will feature a life-sized decorative tree with felt branches and leaves as well as a sensory wall to support learning through play.
April 7, 2025
Exciting Milestone for the Future Embrun Library
The Township of Russell is proud to announce a significant step forward in the relocation of the Embrun Branch of the Township of Russell Public Library. A 15-year lease agreement—with four additional 5-year renewal options—has officially been signed with Embrun Co-op, securing the future home of the library in a new, modern facility set to be built by September 2026.
This milestone follows the Township Council’s direction from its August 26, 2024, meeting, where it approved the pursuit of a partnership with Embrun Co-op. Since then, both parties have worked diligently, navigating legal considerations to finalize an agreement that reflects the shared vision of enhancing library services for the growing community.
The new library will offer a contemporary, accessible space designed to meet the evolving needs of residents. More than just a collection of books, this facility will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, culture, and community engagement, fostering connections among residents of all ages.
The Township of Russell remains committed to innovative partnerships that enhance local services and enrich the lives of residents. The collaboration with Embrun Co-op is a prime example of how community-driven initiatives can create lasting benefits for everyone.
Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses!
January 16, 2025
Joining forces for youth: Future Embrun library branch to feature youth space powered by Valoris Foundation
The Township of Russell Public Library is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the Valoris Foundation. The latter is making a generous donation of $70,000 towards the development of a youth space in the Library’s new Embrun branch.
With input from over 80 local teens, including the Township of Russell’s Teen Advisory Committee, this funding will enable a welcoming, multifunctional environment for the community’s young residents.
“On behalf of the Teen Advisory Committee, I would like to extend my gratitude to Valoris for their generosity and continued support in providing safe and inclusive spaces for teens in our community,” said Lilah-Marie Copeland, vice-chair of the Teen Advisory Committee. “The future development of our growing community depends heavily on the well-being of our youth.”
Planned amenities:
Space for community professionals will enable young people to benefit from essential services such as mental health support, employability programs and other initiatives tailored to their needs.
A multi-purpose multimedia room will enable dynamic and enriching activities for young people, especially during critical after-school and early evening hours.
A youth corner will form a welcoming backdrop for connection with friends and reading featuring comfortable furniture and the library’s collection of young adult literature and graphic novels.
“This partnership is tangible proof of our community’s commitment to the well-being and development of young people,” said Laurie, Chair of the Township of Russell Public Library Board. “We are grateful to the Valoris Foundation for their generous support, to the youth for their vital inputs, as well as to all our partners for their dedication to this promising project.” With the opening of the new Embrun branch, this youth space will mark an important milestone in the offering of services for the next generation.
December 13, 2024
Interior Design of the New Embrun Branch
The Township of Russell Public Library is delighted to reveal the interior design for the future Embrun Branch, a project that reflects the library’s vision and the community’s values. The design, created by local firm Absolute Drafting + Design Inc. is collaborative in nature and was informed by input from the community and various other stakeholders.
Spanning 5,000 square feet—an impressive expansion from the current 1,100 square feet—the new branch will serve as a dynamic community hub that anticipates the growing needs of a growing population.
The branch is designed to provide people of all ages with a welcoming space that fosters connection, creativity and a love of reading and writing. The library features dedicated areas for: children, teens, and adults, alongside amenities that will enhance the quality of the library’s services. These include:
- Three reservable meeting rooms for community use, including a multimedia room;
- Genealogy area showcasing the village of Embrun’s rich history;
- Quiet study areas for focused work and learning;
- Modern, open spaces for social connection
- The capacity to host author events, workshops, and build community partnerships.
“The board of directors of the Township of Russell Public Library is thrilled by the remarkable design of this modern library. This new library will add tremendous value to our growing community. It reflects our values and our vision of a welcoming meeting place that fosters culture and an appreciation of literature.” — Laurie Clement, Chair of the Board for the Township of Russell Public Library.
The Township of Russell Public Library looks forward to advancing this project in collaboration with the Township and Coop Embrun, and other community partners, bringing this exciting vision to life for the benefit of the entire community.
December 5, 2024
We are pleased to reveal the exterior design for the future Embrun Branch of the Township of Russell Public Library. Developed in collaboration with the Township of Russell and Embrun Co-op, this project will provide the community with a vibrant and accessible space dedicated to learning, connection, and local services.
For more info, see the press release: https://loom.ly/1bXDPvA
October 17, 2024
Presentation by the Chair of the Friends of the Library (Embrun Branch), Louise Deslauriers, proposing that the new Embrun branch be named after Aline Brunet. Aline Brunet is known in the community for being a founder of the Embrun Library.
Read the presentation here (in French only).
August 27, 2024
Press release: Relocation of the Embrun Public Library
Read the Report to Municipal Council / CSAS-LIB-2024-01 / August 26, 2024
Read the Library Relocation Presentation (Appendix A)
September 21, 2023
Investigation and Report – Costing (August 3rd, 2023)
Class D Construction Budget Estimate (May 31, 2023)
30% Drawings received May 18, 2023 from Lalande & Doyle Architects Inc.
Physical copies of the plans (in large format) are also available on site at both branches for comment.
Conceptual Drawings received March 14, 2023 from Lalande & Doyle Architects Inc.
The call for tenders for the Construction plans for the renovation of the Camille Piché Community Centre was publicly opened. The bids received were evaluated in an objective, transparent and competitive manner.
Pursuant to By-law 2022-138 adopted in December 2022, Municipal Council approved the awarding of the contract for the construction plans for the renovation of the Camille Piché Community Centre into the Embrun Branch Library to the contractor Lalande + Doyle Architects Inc.
This library design proposal by JM&C Ltd. was approved by Municipal Council at the meeting of August 15th, 2022.
Video: https://bit.ly/3QzYrac
Document: https://bit.ly/3K32HMK
Published September, 2022