Photograph of the ribbon cutting for the opening of Bradford Public Library on Holland Court, the location prior to the current library on Holland Street.
In doorway, left to right: William DePeuter (Mayor), Hon. Charles T.S. Evans (Chairman of Fundraising), Adrienne Price (Librarian)

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.

"Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library is on the move! Saturday, April 30, 2011 will be the last day we are open to the public. Doors will be closed at our current location as of Monday, May 2, 2011. Due dates on all materials will be extended and no fines will be applied during the closure. Doors will be open to the public at our new location, 425 Holland St. West, on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. All items are to be returned to our new location. As sad as we are to leave our current location we are excited about all the opportunities to come. We welcome you to join us for our Grand Opening Events happening throughout the month of June. Watch for more details."

Operating hours of the Holland Court library

Description : Over 250 people packed the former Danube Countries
Community Centre, to participate in an historic event - the opening of the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, on Saturday, April 25th. The event was also a "thank you" to the members of the Danube Countries Unity Club, and John Zima of Luxury Homes Ltd., whose donations, made the Leisure Centre. The German Club built the Hall 27 years ago, as a venue for its monthly dances and special events, but over the years, the members found it more and more difficult to maintain the facility. "So many parties and weddings, we really couldn't handle it any more," said Club president Matthias Naunheimer. The kitchen, for example, was equipped with huge pots - "not the easiest thing to lift!" Last year, the Danube Countries Unity Club approached the municipality, and offered to donate the Hall, with all of its furnishings and equipment, for use as a Seniors' Centre. It took months to finalize all the legal requirements, but last Saturday, the final hurdles were cleared, and the keys handed to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. Mayor Frank Jonkman called the donation "the most wonderful gift that this municipality has ever received." Mayor Jonkman noted that the agreement still needs to be ratified by Council, but is basically "a done deal". Even so, he said, the facility is "just an empty building" - until the members of the community participate. He hinted that a "little greenhouse" would be donated and added to the facility. The Mayor thanked all of those involved and presented plaques of appreciation.

Lily Oddie Munro, Minister of Culture and Communication addressing the crowd at the opening ceremonies of the new Bradford Public Library. Background L-R: George Jackson, Bud Brown, Padre Hopkin (Trinity Anglican Church), Bruce Owen (Librarian), Mayor William de Peuter and Adrienne Price (Librarian).

"The Bradford Public Library officially opened their new premises at 100 Holland Court on Sunday, November 6, 1988. On hand to officiate over the "ribbon cutting ceremony" was Mayor Bill dePeuter, Librarian Adrienne Price and Honorary Chairman, Mr. Charlie Evans.
The unexpectedly large crowd presented a few problems, no one organizing the event had anticipated. Mrs. Eleanor Sherbo, Chairperson of the Library Board wishes to extend her apologues to those present who could not hear the ceremonies. Apparently, the cord became dislodged from the corridor speakers.
Following the official ceremonies, a reception was held in the "Compton room", a room dedicated to Marilyn & Gord Compton on behalf of the Library Board in consideration of their very substantial monetary donation."

Opening ceremonies of new Bradford Public Library. Ada Watson, president of the Bradford Women's Institute presenting a donation of a painting by Pauline Holancin.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988. Sandy Hudson is standing beside Charlie (C.T.S.) Evans, Patty Truchley is also in the photo.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988.

Seated against the wall (L-R): Ada Watson (Women's Institute), Brenda Fuss (Bradford Progress Club), Lawrence Sturdy (President of the Bradford Lions Club), Padre Ormond Hopkins (Bradford Trinity Anglican Church), Bruce Owen (MPP Simcoe Centre), Valerie Ridgeway (Ministry of Culture & Communications), William De Peuter (Mayor of Bradford), Adrienne Price (Bradford Library Librarian)