"Due to technicalities which prevented certain personnel of the Bradford Public Library Board as originally constituted being members of the board while holding office as members of other local public boards, several names had to be omitted from the board first named come time ago and new ones appointed..."

"If present indications materialize, Bradford Public Library will be open by June 1st or shortly thereafter, The Witness is informed by the board secretary, Mr. Dan Blake.
At a meeting last Friday evening the Board accepted the Council's plans for a room in the rear of the Town Hall for a library and a contract has been let by Council to Mr. Mac Campbell for the renovation of the room. As the Witness understands it, plans call for a door where the west window now is, and a single door, instead of the large double doors as at present, to allow entrance to the kitchen. A new floor will be laid and the room will be insulated and decorated, while electrical wiring will also be installed. A sidewalk along the west side of the town hall will provide entrance to the library room.
When this is all completed, Mr. Mowat, Director of Library Services, Toronto, will come up to offer advice on shelving, etc., for the books.
In preparing this room for a library, Council is endeavouring to fulfill the wish of the ratepayers, expressed by their vote, for a public library in Bradford."

"The space in the town hall given for the public library has been transformed from a dirty, dark corner into a bright, attractively decorated and well planned library room which is expected to be ready for opening by June 1. ..."

Description : Pub. Library Officially Opened by Director of Library Services

An inspiring address by Mr. Angus Mowat, Provincial Director of Library Services for Ontario, was the highlight of the official opening of Bradford Public Library last evening.

Mr. Mowat complimented the Library Board, Council and librarian upon the very attractive library which they have created from a room which looked impossible and from materials almost equally in disrepair. The Bradford Public Library is the successful product of local effort and of local leadership, Mr. Mowat stated, adding that this effort has created a charming little library.

During his address Mr. Mowat's reference to the library was as a book service for the people, and he reminded that when books desired are not available in the small home library they can usually be borrowed from the county library. A provincial library for this purpose is a hope for the future.

In reference to Provincial library grants Mr. Mowat informed that in 1945 such grants total $50,000 and this year they total $865,000. Bradford's grant this year will cover 65% of the municipality's expense for the library.

At the close of his address, on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Education, Mr. Mowat declared Bradford Public Library officially opened.

The guests at the meeting were welcomed by Reeve Arthur Evans.

Chairman of the Library Board, Mr. Cecil Brittain, briefly reviewed the conditions leading to the establishing of the library and the services rendered by members of Board, naming particularly the work of the secretary-treasurer, Mr. Dan Blake, and the building committee members, Messrs. Glenn Boyd and F.C. Cook; The Council, particularly the chairman of the town hall committee, Mr. H. Taylor; the librarian, Miss B. Webb; and Mr. Mowat.

Mr. Brittain urged that residents avail themselves of the opportunity to make use of the library which is free to all residing within the municipality of Bradford. To those outside this municipality the charge is one dollar for a library card.

Mr. Mowat was introduced by Mr. Glenn Boyd, who referred to Mr. Mowat's service in two wars as well as his valuable help as director of public libraries. Mr. F.C. Cook, the other member of the building committee, expressed the appreciation for Mr. Mowat's address as well as his wonderful assistance in preparing the library. The history of Ontario Libraries and of Mr. Angus Mowat are one, Mr. Cook declared.

Rev. F.G. MacTavish and Rev. W.S. Johnson added congratulatory words.

Following the singing of the National Anthem refreshments were served by the ladies of Bradford Women's Institute.

A plaque marking the building of the Bradford Public Library in 1962. The plaque is heavyweight and made of metal. It notes donors and the names of members of the Library Board at the time. The plaque was removed from the Library's John Street West location after it was decommissioned following the building of a new Library location at 100 Holland Court.

"Bradford Rotary Club has made its final payment on its promise of $6000 toward the building of Bradford Public Library/ Last year, Bradford Lions Club made its final payment on its promise of $12000 for the library, making a total of $18000 contributed by the two local service clubs toward the new building. Other organizations have made lesser contributions. ..."

"Mayor Joe Magani presided for the brief program at the social evening given in Bradford Public Library on Tuesday, April 11, called to honour Miss Birdie Webb, who is retiring after twelve years as librarian. On behalf of the Library Board and the town, Mr. R. Colangelo presented Miss Webb with a wrist watch, in appreciation of her fine service. Miss Webb expressed her thanks for this tribute. Simcoe County library was represented by Mrs. Cadogan of Barrie. Mrs. William Melbourne will carry on the duties of librarian here."