Stratford Public Library supports local businesses with resources and services to help you succeed and grow.
BASIC BUSINESS SERVICES
Starting with the very basics, we have computer services, FREE WIFI, and printing at very affordable prices.
Access high-speed internet and use our computers for your business needs.
Print documents, scan important papers, and make copies at affordable rates.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning in business is ongoing and we offer access to up-to-date courses and upgrading -- free to use with your library card.
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Gale Courses are free, instructor-led online courses that provide professional development, technological skill enhancement, and improve personal wellness. Begin your lifelong learning, for free, by taking advantage of this great opportunity. More on Gale Courses.
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In today's digital world, having a strong online presence is essential for any small business. This interactive marketing workshop entitled "Get Found Online: Actionable Strategies and Tips for Local Small Businesses", will equip you with the tools and strategies to attract new customers and grow your business. Lead by instructor, Fope Nkwocha. Free Access Code available -- visit the library's main desk for access code. In partnership with investStratford and Stratford Perth Centre for Business.
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Pronunciator offers personalized courses in any of 163 languages, and instruction in any of 144 home languages, ESL courses, audio lessons, American and Mexican Sign Languages. Pronunciator also includes ProCitizen, comprehensive preparation for the Canadian citizenship test. Users have unlimited, simultaneous, remote access.
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BUSINESS BOOKS & MATERIALS
Search our collection for current books on business, leadership, and finance to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
For business owners! Discover resources to help you grow your mind and your business.
Resources on business management, leadership. employee relationships, entrepreneurship, cognition, and more.
Resources with strategies and tips on branding, marketing, creativity, ad campaigns, trends in print, digital and advertising and more.
Resources on self-improvement, stress-management, job satisfaction, work-life balance, burnout, and wellness for small business owners.
MAKERSPACE FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION
The Stratford Public Library MakerSpace gives local entrepreneurs and small businesses access to professional-grade tools, equipment, and a collaborative community. Our facility helps speed up product development and business growth by providing an affordable space where you can prototype, experiment, and create items for market.
Create business cards, brochures, newsletters, promotional materials, product prototypes, and marketing displays. Whether you're testing a new product idea or developing small batches of inventory, the MakerSpace removes common barriers to innovation.
Equipment use is free. Only small fees for consumable materials like vinyl, buttons, and laminating supplies.
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Create decals, signs, and marketing materials for your business using vinyl, paper, heat transfer materials, cardstock, fabric.
Design custom creations for marketing and business materials, such as:
- Signage (window or door signs, a-frames)
- Branded t-shirts or bags
- Stickers or stencils (bumper sticker, floor logo, wall graphics)
12"x12" permanent vinyl | $2.00 each
12"x10" heat transfer vinyl | $4.00 eachVisit Desktop Cutter for additional costs and tutorials.
Silhouette Cameo and Circut Easy Press kits available to sign out for home use.
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Create and design tools useful to your business with ready-to-print designs downloaded using our 3D Design internet programs. Or learn to make your own custom creation. Also available for prototyping and small-scale production.
Filament | $0.10 per gram
Visit 3D Printing for information on programs used, additional costs, FAQs and a video overview.
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Create custom buttons or magnets for promotional items and merchandise.
Available pin back sizes: 1.5 inch and 2.25 inch | $0.50 or $0.75 each
Available magnet back size: 1.5 inch | $0.75 each
Visit Button Maker.
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Create business cards, brochures, newsletters, promotional materials, and graphics using our Digital Design Stations (both PC and Mac). Loaded with Canva Pro and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator etc).
Available during Open Lab hours.
Costs for printing or photocopying creations:
- Black-and-white prints are $0.10 cents per page
- Colour prints are $0.75 per page
- Double-sided prints are charged per side
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Create professional-quality documents or signage with lamination for 8Letter, Legal, and Tabloid sizing.
8.5"x11" sheet | $1.00 each
8.5"x14" sheet | $1.50 each
11"x14" sheet | $1.50 each
RESEARCH TOOLS
Access powerful research resources to support your business needs with your Stratford Public Library card. Our comprehensive collection of databases provides reliable, up-to-date information available both in-library and remotely from home.
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Provides teachers and students access to encyclopedia articles, images, videos, editorially-selected websites. Users are able to select the reading level of their articles. Students also have access to research guides to help them learn about the research process.
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Britannica brings all of the extensive research and in-depth articles that users expect from the traditional Encyclopaedia Britannica. Supplementing the encyclopedia articles, Britannica Online includes magazines and journals, selected "Web's Best" sites, multimedia, dictionary and thesaurus entries as well as links to the New York Times and the BBC News web sites. Additional content sources include Year in Review, World Data Analyst, Notable Quotations and Gateway to the Classics.
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This full-text database is designed to provide students with a series of essays that present multiple sides of a current issue. The database provides information on 100 key topics of interest to Canadian researchers. Topics include the environment, human rights, race, substance abuse and many more. The database also offers guides to debate, developing arguments and writing position papers.
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CRC includes Canadian magazines, newspapers, newswires and reference books. This database includes leading Canadian periodicals and international (U.S. and U.K) periodicals in full text; full-text reference books; full-text biographies and an Image Collection. Updated daily.
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A searchable dictionary used to study the history, meaning, and pronunciation of words in the English language. Find out when a word was first used and how its context has changed over time.
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Read newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries in multiple languages. Titles include the Beacon Herald, Toronto Star, National Post, Canadian Living and Canadian Geographic. You can share, print, save, and comment on articles. PressReader works best in a web browser on your computer or mobile device. When you select Sign in, click on Library or Group and search for Perth County Information Network.
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BOOK A MEETING SPACE
Rent the Library Auditorium for business presentations, training sessions, networking events, and client meetings. Contact the library for availability and pricing.
Local Business Services
Explore business and government services in the City of Stratford.
The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce is the prominent business organization in Stratford and District.
Perth CFDC welcomes clients at all stages of the business development process and is a one-stop resource for one-on-one business coaching, financing, and expansion planning.
Serves entrepreneurs and small businesses in Stratford, St. Mary's and Perth County.
BIA provides a comprehensive list of resources and supports for all businesses residing in Downtown Stratford.
Provides comprehensive business development services for individuals and businesses interested in start-up, growth, relocation and new investment in Stratford.