The Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District has pledged $50,000 to name the service desk at the Fonthill Branch of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL). The branch, located at 43 Pelham Town Square, is currently under construction for the first phase of a planned two-phase $4 million renovation. 
 
“The Kinsmen are proud to be part of the next chapter of the Fonthill Branch,” says Doug Freeland, Club President. “With the club’s goal to ‘serve the community’s greatest need,’ the service desk is a natural fit, as it is where most visitors first learn about and access library services.” 
 
With this most recent $50,000 gift, more than $3.2 million has been secured toward the estimated $4 million renovation, including $1.5 million from the Town of Pelham. 
 
“The Kinsmen Club of Fonthill has given years of community service to this town. This gift carries that tradition forward,” says Wayne Olson, Pelham Regional Councillor and Co-Chair of the Next Chapter Campaign Cabinet. “The Kinsmen Service Desk will help make the renovated branch what a public library should be — a place where everyone is welcome. No ticket, no fee, no questions about what you learn. A child can borrow a book, a student can study, someone looking for work can use a computer, and neighbours of all ages can gather and belong. I thank the Kinsmen for their generosity and for everything they have done for Pelham.” 
 
Construction on Phase One, which includes a new entrance with automatic doors, accessible single-use restrooms, and an enlarged and refurbished program room, began in September 2026. It is expected to be completed in Spring 2027. When the branch reopens, it will be named the Coyne Family Branch, in recognition of a major leadership gift from Fonthill residents Paul and Bernadette Coyne. 

“The first phase of construction is progressing well,” says Julie Andrews, CEO and Chief Librarian. “With growing community support, we are optimistic that both phases could be completed as one project, minimizing service disruptions for the community.” 

Phase Two will free up about 3,000 square feet for public use on the main level. A passenger elevator will provide access to the basement, allowing staff workspace to move downstairs. The reconfigured main level will offer more versatile spaces for programming, study, and collaboration. 

Additional naming opportunities are available, from $25,000 to $250,000. Gifts of $2,500 and higher will be recognized on a new donor wall. All gifts can be pledged over up to five years. For further information, please visit lppl.ca/donatefonthill. 
 
To learn more and support the project, visit lppl.ca/fonthillreno. 

From left to right: Doug Freeland, Kevin Coyle, Rob Stea, Cassandra Best, Kevin Twomey, Julie Andrews, Brad Whitelaw, Doug Hardy