Amherstburg Library celebrates its 110th anniversary

financed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie with a $10,000 grant, and was built from limestone extracted from the quarry in Anderdon Township. The library was designed by Charles Howard Crane and opened in 1913. It was one of 111 Carnegie libraries in Ontario and one of over 2,500 overall.

use for free, the deputy mayor added.

“Everyone can use a library,” said Gibb. “All you need is a library card.”

By Ron Giofu

The Amherstburg Library celebrated a milestone birthday last week.

The local public library turned 110-years-old last week with four days worth of events. Celebrations included an open house and presentation from local author Meg Reiner last Wednesday, a presentation on the Park House Museum with curator Stephanie Pouget-Papak last Thursday, a visit from Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) community awareness and fundraising co-ordinator Peggy Thompson last Friday and a birthday celebration geared at children last Saturday afternoon.

“This is a big one,” said Adam Craig, chief librarian with Essex County

Library.

Craig pointed out the events that were happening, adding he was pleased to see the level of interest at the open house.

“It’s awesome to see so many people,” added Craig. “It’s nice to see the public is interested and thinking about their library.”

Craig said the Amherstburg Library is the oldest in the Essex County Library system, though other Carnegie Library buildings, such as the one in Kingsville, have been repurposed for other uses.

“Libraries are coming back to the forefront,” said Craig. “The public sees us as part of the community. We’re seeing more interest and that’s an awesome thing.”

The Amherstburg branch was

“We proudly congratulate and celebrate the Essex County - Amherstburg Branch on its 110th anniversary as it sits as a community Cornerstone in the heart of Town in a revered Carnegie building. This is a significant milestone,” said Mayor Michael Prue. “Our residents enjoyed the library for its continued public service of providing information and knowledge, a quiet learning space and a place for people to connect. On behalf of myself and the Council, we thank them for promoting literacy in an accessible and welcoming place in Amherstburg and wish them another 110 successful years!”

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, a member of the Essex County Library board, said the issue of celebrating the anniversary was mentioned at a library board meeting. He said they decided to ensure the 110th birthday was commemorated.

Gibb said he was pleased with the turnout at the open house, noting libraries “are not just about books.” He noted there are seed and puzzle exchanges, computer access, birding kit rentals and possibly the addition of fishing equipment rental in the future.

“This is about community engagement,” said Gibb.

Libraries are also a service people can

While the library building itself dates back to 1913, the history of libraries in Amherstburg date back to as far as the 1820’s. Gibb joked that 14 books were lent out in the first week with only four returns and that return rates have improved considerably since then.

For more information on the Amherstburg Library or the Essex County Library system as a whole, visit www.essexcountylibrary.ca.

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