The library here marked its 100th anniversary on Dec. 5 with clients and dignitaries on hand to mark the occasion.
The library is part of the Wellington County library system of 14 branches, five of which are Carnegie libraries.
“One hundred years ago the Andrew Carnegie Foundation made available funding for municipalities to build libraries,” county councillor and county library board chairman Mark MacKenzie said at the event.
“Mount Forest took advantage of this funding and along with the land donation by Mrs. Luxton in honour of her father William Gruer, this Carnegie library was constructed and the character of this building continues to grow with every generation.”
The building was renovated and expanded in 2009 to make it more accessible.
“This library has a circulation of books and materials of 8,000 per month, one of our busiest,” MacKenzie said.
“Thousands have passed through these doors to enjoy the services that are provided and once you’re in here, you can travel to any place in the world for free.
“We are very proud of our library service in Wellington and will continue to offer top-notch service to the public.”
County Warden Chris White said county council has focused on upgrading its libraries as part of a five-year plan.
“We’re very proud of the money we’re spending in the county library system,” White said.
Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout said the library has been an essential part of the community for a century.
“You see so many people who go through this library every month,” Tout said. “A library is always the hub of your community.”
The library branch hosted a writing competition on individual memories about the Mount Forest library and received 30 entries. Head librarian Danielle Arial announced at the Dec. 5 event that Raven Roberts won in the children’s category, Bobby Robinson in the teen category and Anita Mulhall in the adult category.
