Ontario Public Library Week: A Celebration by Nadine Poulos, Manager, Customer Engagement and Collections Did you know that it has been 140 years since the St. Thomas Free Library was formed? Back in 1884, all the assets, liabilities, and books belonging to the reading room of the Mechanics Institute above Caulfield’s Drug Store were transferred to the St. Thomas Free Library with Archibald McLachlin as chairman of the library board. One year later, the Free Library was officially opened on Talbot Street! A lot has changed in libraries in 140 years and October is Canadian Library Month, a time dedicated to celebrating libraries and raising awareness of their essential roles in communities across Canada. October 20th-26th is also Ontario Public Library Week and this year, St. Thomas Public Library is particularly excited to celebrate, as it also marks the 50th anniversary of our current building. The theme for this year’s Ontario Public Library Week is ‘Libraries for Life’, which highlights the important role libraries play throughout all stages of life. Here at your St. Thomas Public Library, we take pride in being a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore new ideas, connect with their community and develop new skills. Our diverse programs, books, equipment, and online resources are designed to help everyone in our community learn, relax, and grow. We have several exciting events planned during Ontario Public Library Week, and we’d love for you to join us! On Tuesday, October 22nd, we’ll proudly raise the Libraries for Life flag
at City Hall, followed by a special storytime with Mayor Joe Preston at the library. Additionally, we’re thrilled to present our 1st Annual Arts and Letters Showcase, which will feature the incredible talents of local writers and artists from our community. We are still accepting submissions for the showcase, and we invite everyone to come out and celebrate these talented individuals on Saturday, October 26. Throughout October, we’re also inviting everyone in the community to participate in a collaborative scrapbook to celebrate the library and our community. Blank scrapbook pages will be available all month, and we encourage you to contribute! This special scrapbook will be kept on display at the library for years to come. Whether you’re a regular library user, or haven’t visited in a while, consider this your invitation to stop by this October. With books, seeds, Ontario Park passes, storytimes, craft programs, laser cutter, and more, we’re sure you’ll discover something at St. Thomas Public Library, (153 Curtis Street) that will surprise and delights you!
Street Fairs Farm Tours & Much More
ATV Poker Run Beer Garden Live Music
visit rootsrevival.ca
Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024 • Page 55
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