History of Our Library

The Library was formally developed in Fall of 1993 at the Marwood Avenue West-Mont location. A small storage room on the site of the current library was cleared out and the books stored in the three classrooms of that time were collected, listed and shelved.

 

A grant from the Eric Hamber Foundation provided funding to hire a librarian for a month the following summer to instruct volunteers in cataloguing and data input on a basic library program. Several years later a more efficient and user-friendly program was developed by one of the parents, Julie Salmond. This system is still in use today.

 

Those on the original library committee were Connie Correlje, Elizabeth Prsala, Gail Ridley, Rhonda Parsons, Liz Koolman and Brenda Williams. Brenda introduced "Storyline Books" owners Pat and Alan Miller to the group and from this meeting grew the "Love of Books Tea." This annual book donation sale has provided the Library with new books numbering from 75 the first year to an average of 300 books and videos annually over the past few years. The library's current holdings include 6000 books, videos and cassettes.

 

In 1998 the school relocated to its present site and the library was expanded. The new addition doubled the size and provided two table spaces for study areas. Over the years, wooden shelf units have been built by parent carpenters including Roman Matwijejko, Joe Reiter and Scott Whiteside.

 

In June 2005 some classroom changes occurred allowing the library to move from its long time home to the larger and brighter Maple Classroom. Three new shelving units were built and the books are now displayed in a more user friendly manner- easy to remove from shelves and more visible when browsing. This new space has room to accommodate future growth of the Library holdings and is very conducive to relaxing, studying and reading.

 

June 2007 brought another move for the Library. Additional classroom space requirements  made it necessary to transfer the Library to the lower level of the new Clayton Ruttan Building. Books were packed up and stored until January 2008 when the construction of that area was completed. A spacious work area and check out desk accommodate the ongoing expansion and use of the library. The PAC provided a comfy leather couch and chair set and students are keen to settle down on these to read during recesses and Library periods. Two table study areas as well as two computer stations add to the versatility of the Library. An eye catching painting by staff member Lucille Knox brightens the entrance area.