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"Professor W.M. Drummond and Professor Norman High, of the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, were guest speakers at the general meeting of the Simcoe County Library Co-Operative, held in Barrie on October 7th. Stressing the fact that reading brings inspiration, information, and a broadening of our appreciation of life, as well as, in some cases, more economic security, the speakers discussed the particular importance of reading in a democracy." ...

"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.

"The new Board of Management of the Public Library met after the annual meeting. On motion Mr. E. Garrett was appointed chairman for the year. ..."

"The new Act respecting the regulations of Public Libraries calls for a meeting on the second Monday in January for the election of a Board of Directors. Accordingly a meeting of the members of the Bradford Public Library was recently held in Mr. T.W.W. Evans' office." ...

An article describing the new Public Libraries Act passed by the Legislative Assembly in Ottawa. Describes how Mechanics' Institutes are to become Public Libraries

"Take Notice that a special meeting of the Bradford Library Association will be held on Monday, October 19, 1953 at 8:30 p.m., in the Town Hall, for the purpose of considering and, if approved by the meeting, passing a resolution declaring its desire that the Library of the Association be transferred to a Public Library Board appointed in the manner provided by the Public Libraries' Act. All interested are urged to attend. - The Library Board."

"Bradford library is being whipped into shape. There is a new head librarian with new ideas. Ann Marie Newman started part-time in February and last week she began full time. Anne Marie is from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and she studied sociology at Dalhousie University. After graduation, Ann Marie was taken on staff of the University library. For two and a half years, she catalogued books in the Special Collection department. "I worked with all facets of technical library skills," explained Ann Marie. Dan Blake of Bradford's Library Board interviewed her and in February Ann Marie became head librarian."

"Two weeks ago these columns reported on procedures required to convert Bradford's Association Library into a Public Library, according to advice from Mr. Mowat, Director of Public LIbraries for Ontario, at a meeting held here. Upon request from a publicly called meeting a Council can change the status of a library without a vote, but, if Council does not see fit to do this, a petition requesting the transfer from association to public library status, signed by 30 municipal voters, demands that a vote be taken at an early date. ..."

"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."