|
FORBES MEMORIAL READING ROOM - 1901
The following information was provided by Mrs. Lillian Steele, former librarian at Newington Public Library. Lillian visited our display at the Newington Fair (2002), and she felt that "her" history of the Newington Library would be of interest to our members.
THE HISTORY OF THE NEWINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
On October 7, 1901, a meeting was held for the purpose of starting a Public Library on the grounds donated by Dr. Munroe. The only condition was that it should be kept open at all times, to all races and creeds. In 1901, George Forbes, a former Newington storekeeper, built the substantial, neat brick building in which the library is located, in memory of his wife, Mrs. Forbes.
The 1st Constitution:
"Whereas George Forbes esquire of Montreal has offered to build, equip and fully donate a building for a Public Library in Newington".
"Resolve that we gratefully accept this offer and that the Institute be known as Forbes Memorial Library".
"The board of management consists of seven persons elected annually by the Institute on the first Monday of May each year".
Church organizations and social groups of the district banded together to supply funds for the upkeep of the library and enlarged the supply of books.
The seven on the board kept the library opened and operating. Then, in 1917, a librarian received a salary of $18.00, to make the fires and keep the building clean. The building was wired in 1928, at a cost of $34.65. Before, this library was lighted by means of lamps. In 1934, the books in the library were catalogued. In 1947, the membership fee was raised to $1.00 for adults and $ .50 for children. With the assistance from the government and the patrons of Newington, and with the generous help and donations of the Women's Institute, the library was kept in operation.
Then, in 1964, the people of Osnabruck Township held an election, and, as a result, the Newington Library became a Public Library in Osnabruck Township. Since 1964, the library has grown steadily, with books coming from the "Regional Library System" and the magazines supplied. With the aid of the township grant, a greater quantity of books were purchased. We were also permitted to borrow books from the Cornwall Public Library.
The school children, with their teachers, come to the library every Wednesday, and a story is read to the Grade 1's and kindergarten children before they take their books home for the week. The children especially look forward to this every Wednesday. The interest of the community is still high and questions are being asked about our new system that went into effect in January, 1971. They have a soft spot in their hearts for the place held by the library in the life of the community. They worked hard to keep it in operation in the past years. In 1964, the total books borrowed were 1,630, and in 1970, the total circulation was 8,926. Membership in 1964 was 123, and in 1970, it was 355.
Repairs to the Newington Library began in 1969 with a rebuilding of the north wall which had been damaged at the time of the earthquake. Since then, an inside wall at the back of the library has been added, with new shelves; the heating problem was overcome with the addition of a new furnace and a new ceiling. New light fixtures were added, and the verandah and steps repaired and painted. It was about this time, that we began borrowing books through the eastern Ontario Regional Library Board. In 1970, the wiring was all changed and flourescent lighting was installed, a desk and chair was purchased, the verandah was again repaired and painted, along with window casings and interior floor. The total cost being $568.11.
We borrowed from Cornwall, 86 books. The total circulation for 1970 -7,865. Total enrollment 355, 188 children from buses visited the library each Wednesday, and there were 70 local children. At this time, they came during the noon hour. At the end of this year, there were 2,662 books in the library. During 1970, Mr. Nyland, Supervisor of the United Counties Library System, met with Osnabruck Township Council to discuss the possibility of our township going into the County System, which would include Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. After much deliberation concerning this change, the decision was made for us to become a branch in this new system. So, in January 1971, we were one branch among eight in this new United Counties system and before the year ended, two more branches were added. When we went into this new system, the library was open five hours on Wednesday and children came by classes, instead of at noon hour.
The increase in the school enrollment made the number of children coming at noon hour too great. Another venture was having the library open two hours Saturday afternoon, as well as the three hours on Saturday night. It has taken a year for the people to realize this added opportunity.
Two islands for books, new curtains and table top covers were added in this first year. Circulation for 1971 was 11,844, this includes books borrowed through the system. Now each person had to be registered and given a number which remains the same until 1974. Total enrollment at the end of 1971 was 300. All branches have received new books, and telephones were installed. Our library received some new shelving. In 1972, the library went under another facelift, the varnished walls were painted a light blue, also chairs and floor, and all the old shelving was taken out and now we have all new. Also, a new sign was put up outside. Perhaps Newington has lost a great deal in the last few years, but I feel we all should be proud of the fact that we have a library to go to when we wish to.
In September, 1972, Mrs. Elizabeth Beaudette joined the library working force and stayed until June, 1983. I was there from January, 1964 until May, 1979. During these years, the L.O.B.A. held regular meetings in the library until 1982, when they disbanded with a membership of ten. For the use of the library, they donated a clock, a dictionary stand, and the magazine rack. The library also held District Director meetings for the Women's Institute. During these past years, a rug was laid on the floor, and more isles for books were put in. In 1988, Mrs. Scott is the Custodian, and the school has stopped coming. Circulation is low. Also, time of opening has changed to Tuesday evening and Wednesday, making a ten hour week.
FORBES LIBRARY DONATIONS:
We are grateful to Mr. Allan Forbes, Cornwall, Ontario, for his work in obtaining money for the refurbishing of the "Forbes Memorial reading Room". Allan has approached many members of the "extended" Forbes family, and they have been most generous to the project. We are happy to report that Allan has visited the site in Newington, and he is pleased with the progress of the move. He looks forward to the move of his ancestors "library" to our museum site, and to the society's "home" for its documents, books, etc.
 |
The Forbes Memorial Reading Room was moved to the Lost Villages Museum site, at Ault Park in October, 2001. This is a brick building and moving it was no small feat. It now houses the Fran Laflamme Memorial Resource Center, where archives from the six lost villages of Mille Roches, Moulinette, Wales, Farran’s Point, Dickinson’s Landing, and Aultsville and the three lost hamlets of Maple Grove, Santa Cruz and Woodlands are on display.
As well, genealogy records from the area are available to the public for your research purposes. The Resource Center is open year-round, by appointment.
Jane Craig at 613-537-8831 or Rosemary Rutley at 613-537-2023.
Washroom facilities are available from May 1 - October 30
|
This s
