Plaque praising the Tecumseth Public Library - Bond Head Branch for 20 years of service to the community.

Essay book used by Robert ‘Bus’ Culbert. Opened to essay entitled, "Books for All."

Plaque praising the Tecumseth Public Library - Newton Robinson Branch for 20 years of service to the community.

"A first report has been made by the consultants hired to conduct a feasibility study for a new library.
Roger Jones and George Schlukbier of Fox, Jones and Associates presented their first report to council, and the library board, along with some members of committees involved in planning for the new library.
Librarian Adrienne Price said the report outlined possible interior design, and land use.
Two parcels of town land on Holland Court have been chosen as the library site. The building will tentatively be built to the north of the west lot, with parking to the south.
A final draft of the library feasibility study will be presented at a public meeting tentatively set for Wednesday, August 27."

"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.

"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. ..."

"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."

"Editor's note: with the new Bradford Public Library scheduled to hold Official Opening Ceremonies November 6, 1988, following is an article submitted by D. Cilipka on the library's past history in Bradford." ...