The Dyment Recreation Hall is evolving. We are thrilled to introduce our new library and exhibition corner—a dedicated hub for digital literacy, professional publishing, and cultural preservation. From teaching youth the art of digital storytelling to seeing local voices reach international bookstores, this space bridges the gap between community heritage and global reach.
A New Hub for Creative Literacy and Cultural Heritage
The Dyment Recreation Hall and Complex is entering a transformative new chapter with the growth of its dedicated library and exhibition corner. This is more than just a collection of shelves; it is also a creative incubator intended to foster digital literacy and skill acquisition. Bridging the gap between traditional research and modern technology, this space will support programming for local arts, regional history, and the preservation of our community’s history and heritage. It stands as a physical testament to our commitment to ensuring that the voices of our past and the innovations of our future have a shared home.
The new space will replace the community’s old library which flooded in 2022, where all of its books and heritage materials were destroyed or severely damaged.
Empowering the Next Generation of Authors and Archivists
At the core of this initiative is a robust focus on digital storytelling and independent publishing. Following the success of our “Unfinished Tales and Short Stories” and “Winter Stories” programs, this new wing provides youth and community members with the high-level digital tools necessary for oral history preservation and professional-grade publishing.
We aren’t just teaching people how to write; we are teaching them how to navigate the global literary market. To date, this program has successfully shepherded over 24 publications through the production pipeline, seeing them placed in bookstores across Canada, the United States, and international markets. This space provides the technical “greenhouse” where a local story can be transformed into a globally available manuscript.
Seeded in Innovation, Rooted in Community
The evolution of this project reflects a sophisticated tapestry of support and vision. Originally seeded by the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse in 2022, the program’s continuity is secured through the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects Program and the Government of Ontario. These foundational investments have allowed us to build a sophisticated environment where interdisciplinary arts—ranging from visual exhibitions to digital audio archives—can thrive side-by-side.
Our deepest gratitude goes to The Local Services Board of Melgund, Art Borups Corners, and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture. Their tireless energy and advocacy have turned this vision of a community-led arts and publishing hub into a tangible reality. Special thanks go to the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. Their support with last year’s summer program paved the way for this new space and the adventures to come.
Join the Collection: A Call for Literary Contributions
As we prepare to activate these shelves, we invite the community to participate in the curation of our physical collection. We are seeking book donations that reflect the diverse interests of our makers, historians, and storytellers. Whether it is reference material for the arts, regional histories, or literary classics, your contributions will help populate a resource library that inspires the next generation of creators.
This exciting new space is an outcome of interdisciplinary arts capacity building efforts that began in summer and fall 2025 with funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program and the Government of Ontario. We thank them for their incredible support in making these outcomes possible.
To coordinate a donation or to learn more about our upcoming publishing workshops, please reach out to us at info@artsincubator.ca or melgundlsb@gmail.com
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