On June 23, at 2pm the historical library here will host an event in conjunction with the annual strawberry social to recognize a recent grant of $ 14,900.
The grant is from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The library was established by settlers in lower Nichol Township in the mid 1880s as a library and focal point for social gatherings and community affairs. Currently, the library houses many of the original books and continues to have social functions, group and family events throughout the year.
The library is managed by volunteers to promote community based initiatives and to preserve the building.
The Trillium grant financed the renovations of the kitchen, replacement of the roof and upgraded the insulation. That will improve services and maintain the building for the future.
Wellington Halton Hills MP Michael Chong Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, and Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj have been invited to attend.
The annual strawberry social will be held on June 23, at 2pm.
The library began because of the early settlers in Lower Nichol in 1847. A great number of the books were donated by the early settlers who read extensively. The books were held in a log school house on the Cattanach farm on the 8th Concession.
The library had some dirty beginnings. John Cunningham had gone to that location to exchange a book and fell into a ditch and spoiled it. He had to pay a hefty fine.
Cunningham, from the 7th Concession and John Mutrie of the 8th concession were commissioned to canvass for funds to erect a permanent building for the library. The one who collected the most money would earn the privilege of choosing the site for the new building. Cunningham collected the most and the building was placed in Ennotville.
McLaren donated the land for a small sum and stone-mason Henry Penny constructed the building, which was completed in 1850.
Originally designated as the Lower Nichol subscription library, it amalgamated with the Ennotville Farmer’s and Mechanic’s Institute in 1856. A constitution that was drawn up governs the library to this day. The library had 450 books donated and the sum of 50 pounds for the treasurer.
A change in the provincial library system meant the elimination of smaller libraries. The board of directors decided to keep the library open and with the aid of a grant from Nichol Township. In 1966 the library changed the name to Ennotville Historical Library.
Some of its books were printed in the 18th century.
The library has been used for many social functions in the community to raise money for more books and repairs. Women’s Institute life and lectures, educational films, card games, dances and the century old Sabbath Sunday School.
In 1979, Wellington County Historical Society donated a plaque to designate the library as a historical site. In 2006 the library building was designated as an historical building.
The board of directors encourages the community to use the library for social events and to enjoy reading the many original books available.
