The Front of Yonge Library

We know that Mallorytown had a small library in the early 1900's because in December 2003 this book (on the left) about Sir Isaac Brock was returned 94 years late — the due date was December 23rd, 1909. The story made headlines across Canada.

It seems that there was a 30–40 year hiatus when there was no library in Mallorytown. The present library was founded in 1975 and began in the old store on Quabbin Road (across from the railway tracks and now converted to apartments). Jenny Koerber was the librarian. The library moved to the lower level of the Oddfellows Hall on Quabbin Road in 1990, and Jack Tennant took over as librarian. Jack retired in 2002. This was also the year the present building, which was the Masonic Lodge, was completely renovated. It now accommodates the library on the lower level and a community meeting hall upstairs.

I took over as librarian on June 1st, 2002. In my short tenure I have seen many changes including: increased library use and book circulation, the move to the new facility, and (unfortunately) a flood on September 9th, 2004. The flood resulted in the dismantling and emptying out of the library, and more renovations. These included a new entrance, and full handicapped access with an elevator and power operated doors.

In October 2005, in conjunction with Ontario Public Library Week, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Front of Yonge Library. We take an active role in the community and extend a welcome to many social and cultural groups in Front of Yonge. We have a very special relationship with our local school, and were delighted when the Front of Yonge School Council and the students in 2004 provided the funding for the library to purchase a new book cart.

Diann Turner.

Our services include:

• Access to a collection which has grown to over 14,000 items including hardcover, paperback and large-print books, as well as books on CD-ROM, audio and video tapes, periodicals, reference materials, and an archive of local historical documents.
• Interlibrary Loan services.
• Access, via this web site, to the Knowledge Ontario Data Bases.
• Information and Reference service.
• High-speed internet workstations.
• Visiting Library Service with home-delivery of library materials to shut-ins.
• Programmes for Children.
• Our Meeting Hall is available for rent. Please call the Township Office at 613 923-2251 to book your event.
• Photocopies & Fax service (a small charge applies).

And yes, we have a large, pot-hole free, and well-lit parking area for our clients.

WiFi at the Library. Community members may now bring their laptops, register at the desk to get the password, then use our high-speed internet connection.

Library Board Meeting: is on Monday, May 26th, at 7:00 pm, at the Library. It is open to all, and residents and library users are encouraged to attend. The last meeting before the summer will be: Monday, June 23rd at 7:00 pm.

The Members of the Library Board are:
• Mary Harding, Chair
• Sue Ryan, Vice Chair
• Sandra Wells, Secretary
• Laurie Wight, Treasurer
• Roger Haley, Reeve
• Carson Massey, Council Liaison
• Bob Morrison, Council Liaison
• Gail Williams, Trustee
• Donna Hunt, Trustee
• Annette Kaldeway, Trustee
• Laurie Sponagle, Trustee
• Diann Turner, CEO
• Nancy Clow, Assistant Librarian
• Brenda Craig and Nancy Clow are our assistant librarians.

Site Design:
Harrison & Harrison
www.harrisonandharrison.ca