Magnetawan Public Library

Before the library was established as a Union Library, the collection was housed in variety of locations. First in Hazel Chamberlain’s Bake Shop which became in later years the “Banbury Cross”. Books were provided by the Algonquin Regional Library out of Parry Sound with the assistance of Ray Smith and community member Gwen Dickie. Gwen then enlisted a group of eager volunteers: Mary Putman, Marj Fraser, Ruth Raaflaub, Pete Wurm, Jean Lorusso, Christine Raaflaub, Marilyn Raaflaub, Ruth Fraser, and others. The library was relocated to the Seniors Building shortly after it was built. Volunteers continued to operate the library until the Community Centre was built in 1982. The library became a Union Public Library and received provincial funding. Shelly Shell was the first librarian was hired.

1982

• Provincial funding begins
• Tws. Chapman, Twn. Magnetawan Croft & Spence represented by School Board
• A per house hold grant was established Wintario Grant provided for library space in the new Community Centre

1988

• Lisa Gillette hired as CEO/ Librarian

1990

• Redesigned interior of Library to accommodate an office space with first computer.
• First Internet hook-up.
• Special Children’s programs provided by OLS North.
• Purchased Children’s reading loft from Bear Chair.
• First approached to council for Municipal funding.

1991

• Began receiving Municipal funding

1992

• Worked with local libraries on an interlibrary exchange.
• Borrowed Videos and talking books from Interlibrary Loan by phone .
• Books were not ordered through interlibrary loan because it required a Microfisch reader.

1994

• Began using an Internet designed data base for Interlibrary Loan, but orderes were competed by phone or fax

1996

• Began research into a Community Access project.
• Provincial funding reduced by 40 %

1998

• Amalgamation of Townships

1998

• Creation of CAP site
• Received Federal Grant for CAP site, Along with Library in kind funding, a municipal grant, and a grant from OLS North.
• Received grant for youth worker from Industry Canada

1999

• Received additional HRDC grants for Internet and Computers

2000

• Received additional sustainability grant from Ministry of Culture for $4,000.00

2001

• Creation of the Parry Sound Area Access Network
• Received Connectivity funding

2002-2003

• Continued to received Sustainibility Grants, Grants for youth workers, municipal and provincial funding.
• Recieved trillium Grant, used to upgrade circulation computer and software.

2005

• Upgraded to Highspeed DSL connection

2007

• Lisa Gillette retired in December.
• Erin Phillips hired as Head Librarian