The Town of Rosemère is celebrating a proud milestone: its H.J. Hemens Public Library has once again received Quebec’s highest distinction for public libraries — the BiblioQUALITÉ Level 5 Ribbon — recognizing the outstanding quality of its services in 2024
A Benchmark of Excellence in Quebec’s Library Network
The BiblioQUALITÉ program, administered by the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ) and its regional BIBLIO networks, evaluates libraries across the province according to five measurable standards: acquisitions budget, opening hours, building size, seating capacity, and human resources. Each institution receives a weighted score reflecting its performance in these categories
In 2024, the average score among ABPQ members stood at 72%. The H.J. Hemens Library achieved an impressive 93%, maintaining its Level 5 status — the top grade in the BiblioQUALITÉ system
Rising Engagement from Rosemère Residents
Beyond its high score, the independent evaluation revealed a 7% increase in library usage and a 43% rise in programming and cultural activities compared with 2023. These figures reflect the growing importance of the library as a community hub for learning, literacy, and civic engagement
While the main building undergoes major renovations this fall, Rosemère residents can still enjoy many of its services through a temporary satellite location at the Memorial Community Centre on Grande-Côte Road. The library is expected to reopen its doors in November with updated facilities designed to meet modern accessibility and environmental standards
Investing in Culture and Community
The BiblioQUALITÉ initiative was created to objectively recognize municipalities that invest in long-term improvements to their public libraries. By focusing on measurable criteria and rewarding sustained excellence, the program encourages continuous progress and fosters collaboration among Quebec’s municipalities. For Rosemère, the recognition underscores the town’s ongoing commitment to education, inclusion, and cultural vitality
As BiblioQUALITÉ representatives note, the goal is not only to reward performance but also to inspire public libraries across the province to innovate, expand their reach, and enhance residents’ quality of life. Rosemère’s success stands as a model of what can be achieved when a municipality treats its library not merely as a repository of books, but as a living cornerstone of community development.
