The library is set to begin celebrations marking its 125th anniversary on Tuesday with free gifts and books for visitors to the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library and the North Branch.
A news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library also states that starting tomorrow, it will officially be a 'fines free' facility and will forgive "all outstanding overdue fines dating as far back as 2011."
The anniversary celebration will continue through to the end of 2021 with a number of projects and special online content.
Full text of the news release follows:
The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is celebrating its 125th anniversary on Aug. 31, 2021. The library was incorporated on Aug. 31, 1896 by a motion passed by the council of what was then the Township of Sault Ste. Marie. Also known as a quasquicentennial year, the anniversary marks an important milestone in the library’s development and history.
Celebrations begin on the anniversary date and continue on for the remainder of the year. Visit either the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library or the North Branch on Aug. 31, 2021 for an opportunity to receive a free water bottle and a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library Bookstore (supplies are limited). Staff have also prepared lists of their 125 favourite books from the last 125 years.
Keep your eye out the rest of the year for special 125th projects and the release of special online content such as celebratory videos where staff and the public share the impact that libraries have had on their lives.
Aug. 31, 2021 will also mark a significant change for your library system and a turning point in its history. With a couple exceptions for specialized collections, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will be officially 'fines free' as of its anniversary. The library is also forgiving all outstanding overdue fines dating as far back as 2011. This is even more reason to celebrate!
Join the library board, staff and members of the public for this joyous occasion and show your appreciation for your library in-person and online through the social media hashtag #ssmpl125