Historic grist mill begins new chapter as Erin library

ERIN – A grist mill built in 1849, has now been transformed into Wellington County's newest library.

Celebrations at the library's grand opening on March 11 began with live music and the building was bustling with project partners, councillors and the public.

The historical landmark is situated on the edge of the Credit River and is accessible from downtown Erin.

County Warden Chris White called it a "phenomenal day" and "huge milestone" for the county, noting the $12.9-million project has been in the works for over 20 years.

It is the last of the county's 14 library branches to be restored and "we're extremely proud of that," White told guests.

The 1849 mill was built by Daniel McMillan, one of the founders of Erin, alongside his younger brothers Charles and Hugh.

"Tragically, near the end of construction, he suffered a splinter which turned gangrenous and he passed away at 38 years old," said Doug Breen, chair of the county's information heritage and seniors committee.

The mill opened five days later.

Over the years the building and property changed hands several times before being purchased by the county in 2022.

The county's goal was to move the library into the historical site as it was operating out of Erin's Centre 2000 community centre, where it shared space with Erin District High School.

Restoration began in 2023 and many aspects of the original building can be found inside and out.

"To honour that history, two of the original mill stones collected by Daniel McMillan himself in Toronto are now displayed proudly on either side of the main entrance," Breen said.

Guests will also find glass flooring in a corner of the main floor. Looking down, they will discover a giant steel pipe that was once critical in powering the mill.

Other features include a 3D printer station, children's space, computer station, community event space, ample seating areas with electrical fireplaces and, of course, thousands of books.

'Pride and wonder'

"As Albert Einstein once said, 'The only thing you absolutely need to know is the location of your library,'" said chief librarian Rebecca Hine at the opening.

"If there's one thing to be said about this library ... I think we have built it tall enough."

Erin Mayor Michael Dehn said, "It's impossible not to feel the pride and the wonder of our shared history.

"May this space always be a beacon of learning ... and a testament to the fact that Erin, our history and our future flow together as beautifully as the river outside these doors."

Erin councillor and heritage committee member Jamie Cheyne welcomed guests to the "oldest, newest library in Wellington County."

Other speakers included area MPPs Matthew Rae and Joseph Racinsky, county councillor Jeff Duncan, Demikon Construction president Mike Demerling, VG Architects representative Paul Sapounzi, and Sam Leitch, whose father once owned the mill.

Dehn told the Advertiser he was "trepidatious at the beginning because it's a lot of money, but I think at the end it is perfect for the community."

He called the library a "beautiful space" and said its opening comes at a "great time before the community explodes with growth."

He said he hopes the library will be an anchoring point to help new residents find history in their new home.