Bracebridge Library
Open Book: Transparency Through Authentic Community Engagement
About the Art
This piece centres an open book as a nod to Open Book (the project it represents) and to the freely accessible knowledge a library holds for its community. The layered cut paper ripples from the centre just like the library’s openness and impact reaches beyond its walls. Cut paper figures dance through the piece, showcasing community joy and reminding us that libraries are more than a building of quiet shelves – they are living, social spaces where community, creativity, and connection come together.
Original artwork by Aedán Crooke of Surface Impression. No AI was used in generating this artwork.
A digital communications strategy using staff voices, community stories and behind-the-scenes content to make library services more visible and understandable
Bracebridge Library uses staff voices, community stories and behind-the-scenes digital content to show residents how the library works, who delivers its services and how the public can engage.
Bracebridge Library’s Open Book strategy treats everyday communication as part of transparency, showing residents more of the institution, the people behind it and the services it provides.
The project is built on the idea that transparency begins with authenticity. Instead of relying only on formal public-sector messaging or service promotion, the library uses digital storytelling, staff voices, community stories, humour, behind-the-scenes content and genuine interaction to show residents the people and values behind the organization.
This approach helps residents understand what the library does, why its services matter, and how it reflects the community. Information is shared through videos, images, plain-language posts, newsletters, website content and in-person interactions. The library also uses the platforms residents already use, including social media, to meet people where they are rather than waiting for them to search for information.
Since implementing the strategy, annual social media reach grew from about 75,000 views in 2021 to more than 8.2 million in 2025. Website visits grew from 27,581 to more than 353,000. Annual library visits increased from 7,890 to more than 212,000, and active membership grew from 9,125 to 15,576.
Open Book turns communication into an ongoing conversation. Families, students, seniors, entrepreneurs and other community members can discover services, ask questions and take part. The result is a library that is easier to understand and engage with, while giving residents a clearer view of the people, services and community relationships behind a public institution they use every day.
