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Branch Libraries - Port Stanley
- Museum / Archive
- Elgin County Archives
- Part Of
- Elgin County Library fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- GMD
- textual records
- Date Range
- 1901-1961
- Storage Location
- R7 S3 Sh4 B3
- Museum / Archive
- Elgin County Archives
- Part Of
- Elgin County Library fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Storage Room
- Archives Storage Rm. 107
- Storage Location
- R7 S3 Sh4 B3
- GMD
- textual records
- Date Range
- 1901-1961
- Series
- Elgin County Library fonds - Branch Libraries - Port Stanley series
- Physical Description
- 5 cm of textual records
- History / Biographical
- The Port Stanley Mechanics' Institute Library was established in the early 1890s. In 1896, the Institute was re-organized as the Port Stanley Public Library. With a grant received from the provincial government, the Library Board purchased books to form the basis of the library collection, which was originally housed in a room above Mr. William Goodhue's hardware store.
- For many years the Port Stanley Library was located in a wing of the old Thomson home on Colborne Street and was supervised by Miss Phyllis Thomson until she was compelled by ill health to resign as librarian effective September 30, 1930. Mrs. Llewella Jones was appointed librarian effective October 1, 1930 at a salary of $2 per week, and held this position until December 1949.
- At a meeting held October 15, 1930 the Library Board approved relocating the library to leased premises in "two rooms in the north half of the Russell House" owned by Mr. E.A. Smith, effective November 1, 1930. In February 1931 the Board approved spending $25 to furnish a reading room in the library premises.
- The Port Stanley Public Library joined the Elgin County Library Association in 1937.
- Construction work on a new library, to be located on Bridge Street, just west of Town Hall, began in the spring of 1945. In 1947 the library closed pending its relocation and withdrew from the Elgin County Library Association.
- The new building, designed by architect John T. Findley of St. Thomas, was completed in 1948 at a cost of $9,000 and was officially opened on July 18, 1948. The new building was dedicated to Port Stanley citizens who served during the First World War and the Second World War. A small room at the south end contained a stained glass window inscribed with the names of the six Port Stanley men who were killed in action during the Second World War and was donated by their families. The room also contained a plaque listing the names of the servicemen who died during the First World War.
- In March 1949 the library joined the Elgin County Library Co-Operative.
- Mrs. Beatrice Payne was appointed librarian in 1959 and served until the mid 1970s.
- The Port Stanley Public Library Board administered the Library until it was disbanded in 1965 as a result of legislation amalgamating all Elgin County municipal public library boards under the authority of Elgin County Council. Port Stanley Public Library became the Port Stanley branch of the Elgin County Library effective January 1, 1966.
- In 1977 the basement of the library building was renovated to provide a new Children's Area. Opening ceremonies were held June 18, 1977.
- In 1981 the library was demolished and replaced by a new, 5,000 square-foot building constructed on the same site and attached to Town Hall. The new building was officially opened for business September 26, 1981, and the memorial window and plaque were re-dedicated.
- On June 30, 2005 a grand re-opening was held at the library to showcase recent interior renovations, including painting, new carpets and furniture, and equipment to enhance accessibility. A new fireplace and reading area were funded by the Gordon and Jessie Wimbush Foundation.
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of minutes, registers, reports, catalogues and miscellaneous records documenting the operation of the Port Stanley Mechanics' Institute, the Port Stanley Public Library (including its participation in the Elgin County Library Association and Elgin County Library Co-Operative), and the Port Stanley branch of the Elgin County Library.
- Name Access
- Elgin County Library
- Elgin County Library Co-Operative
- Elgin County Library Association
- Port Stanley Public Library
- Port Stanley (Ont.)
- Subject Access
- Libraries
- Accruals
- Expected
Less detail