BARRHEAD – The Barrhead Library had a party on Feb. 12 to celebrate 75 years in the community as a treasured resource for many residents.
“It's the start of celebrating 75 years in the community,” said Elaine Dickie, Barrhead Library Director.
“We'll have other celebrations across the year and this is our starting event.”
Library fans and supporters gathered for coffee and treats with some social chitchat.
The Barrhead Drama Club and Library Board members came to celebrate dressed up in book character costumes to the delight of the attendees.
Attendees were asked what they appreciate about the library.
“It’s the magazines that are the highlight,” said Marcia Moon. “I volunteer money to buy magazine subscriptions.”
Moon chooses what subscriptions she is interested in and the library orders that magazine.
She gets first option to read each edition and then the magazine is at the library for others to read.
Moon says it’s a win/win because she doesn’t like the magazines to build up in her home and this way others get to enjoy her favourite magazines.
Spence Moon said he appreciates the support you get from the library in terms of technology and this is the big thing for him.
“We are really fortunate to have somebody like Kyle. You can ask him anything and he is here to help you.”
Several people said the same thing about Kyle and his wonderful approach to helping people of all ages.
The LEGO club has also made a big impression on the people there to share in the festivities.
Library Board member Susan McLaren spoke about her love of books saying she liked the history and the stories.
Sue Hubereau said she enjoys the audio books. She and her fibre arts club meet at the library two Wednesdays a month.
Veronica Stackler, the president of the club, comes all the way from Sandy Beach to visit the Barrhead library and partake in her crafts with the fibre arts group.
Rosalie Dean comes from Goose Lake and Lucie Heins travels from Alberta Beach.
The fibre arts club has weavers, and skilled spinners who turn wool into yarn. The group makes woven items, embroidery arts, and welcomes anyone who is interested in anything to do with fibre arts.
The Barrhead Library has a spinning wheel if you are interested in trying this hobby yourself. Talk to the group in advance and someone will guide you through the process of how to spin wool.
History of the Library
In 1946 a $200 gift from the estate of John Walter McKerracher was donated to start a library in his memory.
McKerracher was a farmer with property northeast of Barrhead and donated regularly so the children could have a Christmas concert.
Emile C. Stehelin, superintendent of the newly formed Pembina School division, heard of the McKerracher trust fund donation and influenced the decision to house the new library within the new school being built.
The Department of Economic Affairs provided a $300 grant to fund the purchase of books.
There were several fundraising events to raise money, and the Barrhead Hall committee donated $360.
It truly was a community-driven initiative to build the library and fill it with books.
There will be more events throughout the year to celebrate the library.
The history of the library is available in the book One of a Kind - The Story of the Barrhead Public and School Library.
A big cheer for the folks who dressed up as book characters; Susan McLaren, Jane Wakeford, Maddison Gauthier, Angie Kamaleddine, Chelsea Code, Keira Butler, Alyssa Huff, Raine Jensen, and Ash Smith.
Thanks to the fibre arts group that was onsite during the event to share their talents with attendees; Rosalie Dean, Mary-Lynne Smith, Dorothy Kruse, Lucie Heins, Sue Huberdeau, Barb Philips and Veronica Stackless.
