A reception, activities, and even a new podcast will mark its diamond anniversary
Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic, the Madawaska Valley Public Library (MVPL) is marking its 60th anniversary next week and will use this milestone to celebrate with the community it serves, including an outdoor reception on Saturday, August 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Above photo shows librarian Mrs. Mathews and the first patrons to register at the library. Photo: Barry’s Bay Review 1961
On August 11, 1961, the Barry’s Bay Public Library (the library changed its name to Madawaska Valley Public Library in 2014) opened its doors to the public for the first time, eventually becoming one of the main cultural hubs in the Madawaska Valley. The road to 2021 has been a long one, filled with challenges, benchmarks, and most importantly, growth.
Back in 1961 the library was housed where the Township Office currently resides, and was open to the public just two hours a week under the stewardship of its first librarian, Mrs. Matthews. Eventually, the first full-time librarian, Helen Kern, was hired.
Over the next six years demand increased significantly and memberships quickly swelled. In 1967 an expansion was granted as part of Canada’s Centennial projects, and the Township purchased the Bell Telephone building which would become the permanent home for the MVPL.
In 1973, MVPL completed the first of many renovations, adding a children’s section and eventually tripling the size of the library. The Dominic Recoskie wing was added through municipal, provincial, and federal funding, not to mention a $25,000 donation from Ted Recoskie.
Since the turn of the millennia, the library has undergone more renovations and a significant growth in membership. The library boasted a new computer lab in the mid 1990s, long before many schools in the province offered access to the emerging technology. This effort to modernize is ongoing, and today the library offers DVDs, audio recordings, microfilm, free public Wi-Fi, laptop computers, online books/audio books, a streaming platform for movies/documentaries/series, and the popular inter-library loan service that gives patrons access to most of the province’s library catalogues.
While the library is revered by patrons and staff alike, growth in membership and overall population means they are likely due for an additional expansion. CEO Karen Filipkowski is confident the library will secure the funds needed over the next few years to make the expansion happen.
“Despite COVID, we are experiencing an increase in demand for workspace and computer bookings, and our current space is being stretched to its limits,” Filipkowski told The Current.
She also said the August 21st reception is as much about thanking the community as it is to celebrate 60 years. Members of the public will be treated to music, refreshments, and activities for the kids. MVPL will also be launching a new podcast titled “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue” which will feature articles from 1961 and additional news to inform the community.
