In the late summer of 1978, a group of concerned citizens felt that there was a need for library services in the Buckhorn area. At the time, Harvey Township did not have a by-law enabling a library board to be established. This group of 25 citizens posted a petition throughout the area that read; “Would you be in favour of and use a Library if established in this area?” Within two weeks the petition had over 500 signatures.
The founding mothers and fathers of our library were Devon Manley, Jean Detlor, Grace Selvage, and Glenna Rome. In the beginning most of the books were donated and we were housed in the Community Centre.
The Library was established in 1978 and first opened its doors to the public in 1979 in the Wintario Room of the Community Centre. The collection was made up of a few hundred books, mainly donations, and was staffed by 20 Volunteers. The room could hold only 3,000 books at the very most. By 1983 circulation was up to 2500 books and the library held 6 children’s programs with over 90 children attending. In 1985, the Main Library, growing and expanding ever more, moved into its present facilities in Buckhorn in a turn-of-the-century two-room school house. By this time a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) had been hired as well as other library staff. The 20 Volunteers had grown to 30.
By 1986 circulation was up to 6800 books and a regular Saturday children’s programs had 550 children attending. 1986 was also the year a branch of the library started in the Cavendish Township Firehall kitchen. The Helen Bowen branch, as it is called today, will be 15 years old next year.
In 1994, after a three-months closure, the Library re-opened its doors into a newly expanded and enlarged building. The new and the old were beautifully blended. The expansion cost $260,000. The Province of Ontario contributed $60,000 through a grant. The remainder was raised locally by all the hard-working Volunteers.
The 1990s were an important time for both the Main Library and the Cavendish Branch. The two libraries were formally amalgamated, which means that both libraries share a common database of material and membership. The 1990s also saw both libraries go on-line.
In 2004, at a ceremony in Toronto, the Buckhorn Library became fully accredited which means that we meet the Library Standards and Guidelines set for libraries in Ontario.
Today the combined libraries have in excess of 17,000 books and are still growing. Over the years these thousands of books, magazines, videotapes, audiotapes, and DVDs, have brought knowledge and entertainment to all residents and visitors of Buckhorn. Our computer section is busier than ever with people surfing the Internet, doing research, and staying in touch with e-mail.
Fundraisers over the years have included fashion shows, pet shows, and at the 10th anniversary of the Buckhorn Art Festival the library was involved in a parade where the library’s float was based on famous characters from children’s literature and was awarded The First Prize and Trophy.
Today the fundraising and volunteering continues. Both libraries hold events such as book sales, flower and plant sales, bake sales, flea markets, and hidden auctions throughout the year. One of our largest fundraisers is the volunteer operated Good Buy Room. The library receives in excess of $20,000.00 a year from this enterprise. Please visit it next time you are in Buckhorn. Hundreds of past and present volunteers are the keys to our continued growth and success.
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