Zoé Vallé Memorial Library
Frequently Asked Questions
See the South Shore Public Libraries' information sheet(2.83 MB)
on their work at the Zoé Vallé (image at right). 
The Chester Village Commission will fully implement the requirements of the 1928 Warranty Deed(193 KB) to operate a community library and civic centre. The Village’s plans are all addressed in our Proposal(1.25 MB) .
Will the Zoé Vallé remain as a Library?
YES! The Library will not only continue to exist in its present configuration of the front two rooms on the ground floor, but will be expanded to include more areas of the building.
Is South Shore Public Libraries involved? Will we have the services of a librarian?
YES. The South Shore Public Libraries (SSPL) is excited to work with the Village of Chester. The Commission anticipates a partnership that provides expanded access to a broad collection of resources from across the region and province. (See their information sheet(2.83 MB) .)
In addition, the SSPL will conduct training for volunteers and Commission staff to ensure effective support for library patrons.
UPDATE: The Library Services Agreement(4.65 MB) between SSPL and the Village Commission is now final. SSPL a providing a substantial value of new books to Chester - more on this to come!
Are Village of Chester offices moving to the building?
YES, the Commission’s two permanent staff will occupy non-library space.
The Clerk/Treasurer will occupy one room on the second floor. Our Administrative Assistant will occupy a space on the first floor. In addition to her regular duties, she will assist in greeting library patrons when needed. Having staff in the building enables longer and regular opening hours.
The task of assisting library patrons will be led by SSPL professional librarians, who will train Village staff and volunteers.
Does the Village occupancy change the building’s heritage designation? What about accessibility?
NO. Heritage designations remain with a property, regardless of the owner or operator. The Municipality will continue to hold the title.
ALL public buildings – government offices, libraries, etc. – must be accessible by 2030 under legislation. What this will mean for the ZVML is an accessible entrance at the side door leading into the Ondaatje Room, and enlarging the single washroom there.
Will groups and associations be able to use the space for meetings?
YES. The Library's facilities will be available for groups and associations for meetings. We look forward to continuing the long tradition of providing a welcoming community resource and gathering place. Stay tuned for an online booking calendar.
Will the Lightfoot Tower and gardens be utilized and available?
YES. The Lightfoot Tower and the gardens will be available for all customary uses and programming, and we will actively invite innovative suggestions from the community.
Will volunteers and programming suggestions be welcome?
ABSOLUTELY! Volunteers and community suggestions will be solicited and welcomed.
Will we offer community programming?
YES. We are planning a Saturday morning children's reading and activity program to be run by the SSPL, and we look forward to continuing children’s art workshops. Book clubs and authors' readings are also being planned.
Will we offer free internet access and availability for folks to print?
YES. We will install internet in the building for Village and Library staff and will also have public Wi-Fi available.
It is also our intention to have at least one computer station in the library available to the public. This will be a full-service station with internet access and print availability.
Will we be able to offer tax receipts for donations?
YES. Revenue Canada’s charitable status for the ZVML Endowment Fund will continue intact.
Is it odd to house a library and other offices in the same building?
NO, not at all. In Canada, many public libraries are supported in part or in whole by municipal/local governments. It is very common for municipal offices and public libraries to occupy the same building.
Can a Village Commission run a library?
YES. Part XVIII “Villages” of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Section 423(1)(t), explicitly gives villages the power to “expend money” to operate “public libraries”. Additionally, Sections 60 and 61 of the MGA provide municipalities and villages with the power to provide or administer municipal services previously provided by another municipal unit.
Can you explain the finances in a nutshell?
The Village will bring the money we now pay in rent of approx. $20,000/year to support the ZVML’s physical plant (the building and grounds) such as heat, insurance, maintenance, etc. so those costs will no longer come out of the Endowment Fund. In addition, the Village pays another approximately $12,000/year for internet, phones, lights, cleaning, etc. for our current location, so these utility costs will transfer and will also not need to come out of the Endowment Fund.
Library and Village Commission funds will be kept entirely separate. The Endowment Fund itself will be in an investment account to provide better protection of the capital and better returns.
In short, this means that the ZVML Endowment Fund will not need to support the physical plant but can be dedicated to supporting new and exciting library and civic activities.
Do you have a question we didn’t answer here or a great idea?
Contact us directly!
The Village Commission will ensure that ZVML operations are sustainable for the future, long after those of us involved today are gone.
This FAQ document(272 KB) was prepared March 5, 2026.
Report on Proposal Process
Report by the Village of Chester Commission
On the “In Camera” Proceedings Regarding a Possible Response to the Request for Proposals to Administer the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library
This report(22 KB) was presented at the Village Commission Monthly Meeting of January 22, 2026.
Village of Chester's Proposal
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is an important community asset, and one which the Commission envisions as a vital partner to serve the wider Chester community. The Village of Chester Commission’s vision is to continue the vital community role of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library, as directed in the Warranty Deed, to provide the Chester community with a “Public Library and civic and community centre with appropriate books and appurtenances.”
Proposals were submitted on October 20, 2025 and then made public by the Municipality for its Dec 11, 2025 Council Agenda package as part of the procurement process. The Village Proposal(1.25 MB) was accepted at that Council Meeting.
Intermunicipal Agreement
An intermunicipal "Agreement Regarding the Governance, Operation, and Stewardship of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library"(1.48 MB) was signed between the Municipality of the District of Chester and the Village of Chester on February 26, 2026.
