When the library celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009, they kept quiet about the fact that the history of public book reading actually goes back decades further. That history is actually pretty interesting.
The first library in the city was actually a travelling collection that Susie Atkinson operated in the 1930s with books she borrowed from the University of Alberta. Then in 1946 the Women’s Institute sponsored an early library that opened in various locations along Perron Street. Town council formally established it under the Provincial Libraries Act in 1961, making this the 50th anniversary as an incorporated municipal service.
Library director Peter Bailey says that it has come a long way and, even with so many changes in the computer age, it is certain to be here for a long time.
“There’s a shift in focus … from the library as a provider of things, of physical items, to more a service-based organization,” he began. “It’s not what we provide, it’s what we do.”
A self-confessed active user of the facility, he explained that the fact it’s open to the public makes it an important fixture for the city’s culture.
“One of the [most important] things is that it’s a community gathering place,” he said, referencing the 2009 needs study that indicated this role was high with public expectation. “It’s one of the few remaining public spaces that’s free and open to everybody.”
Although an official celebration hasn’t yet been finalized, Bailey hopes to have something in place on or about Tuesday, June 28.
“We want to have a birthday party — something fun with a minimum of speeches.”
In the meantime, the library is hosting a few special projects and workshops with a focus on history and sharing memories. It will be installing a display case with interesting artifacts and memorabilia significant to the history of the city.
If you think that you have something appropriate that you would like to offer, please call 780-459-1751.
