Library and Queen Elizabeth II Share Diamond Jubilee Year

Librarian Alanna Carswell holds two well known mysteries, “The Secret of Mirror Bay” by Carolyn Keene and “The Masked Monkey” by Franklin W. Dixon, published in 1972 the twentieth year of the Shellbrook Public Library.© Shellbrook Public Library

As it prepares to celebrate its 60th Diamond Anniversary in late March, the Shellbrook Public Library has more interesting history to share. The Library is also presenting programs on how to use the Library’s databases, March 8, and the online catalogue, March 22, both at 7:00 pm.

After Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on February 6, 1952, the Shellbrook Public Library opened its doors on March 26. Librarian Vesta Massey reigned from the 1952 opening to 1960 with Dorothy Loth also serving in 1960. Following Massey and Loth, Doris Smith ruled the Library and served for fourteen years from 1961 to 1975. When Smith retired, Dorothy Perkins became the librarian from 1975 to 1977. More librarians followed: Anne Anderson in 1978, Brenda Kinnaird in 1978 to 1979, and the second longest reigning librarian Hazel Barkway began working in 1979 and would retire fourteen years later in 1993.

The Library started in Halliwell Hardware, relocated to the Ladies Restroom, to the Elks Theatre, to Dorothy’s Floral Shop, and then to Norman Smith’s Furniture Store. The Library was in Norman Smith’s Furniture Store for about fifteen years before the 1977 move into the basement of the Shellbrook Credit Union. Nineteen-seventy-seven is a significant year for the Library as it marks the formation of the first Library Board. Members were Dick Hope, Mike Kinnaird, Harry Beilhartz, Ellen Nesdoly, Doreen Mumm, Shirley Tomporowski, Jean Seggie, Inez Helm, Inez Van Eaton, Pat Grayston, and Bonnie Gosslin. In 1977, the Board was awarded the Wallace Wapiti award for the most improved library branch in the Wapiti Region.

Notable fiction books published in the Library’s twentieth year 1972 were “Watership Down” by Richard Adams, “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot, “Surfacing” by Margaret Atwood, “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator” by Roald Dahl, “Julie of the Wolves” (Julie of the Wolves series, #1) by Jean Craighead George, “In a People House” by Dr. Seuss, “The Secret of Mirror Bay” (Nancy Drew series, #49) by Carolyn Keene, and “The Masked Monkey” (The Hardy Boys series, #51) by Franklin W. Dixon.

The Library is offering two classes in March. The first is using the many library databases. It is on Thursday, March 8, at 7:00 pm. There is a wide selection of online databases accessible for free with your library card. Then, on Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 pm, learn how to use the online catalogue to find books, order in items, and what to do when you just can’t find the title you want! Openings are limited to available computer seats at the Library so hurry to register by dropping in or phoning Librarian Alanna at 747-3419.