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The new Carnegie public library was opened on Monday evening of last week
with a good program of music and addresses. Mr. H. Williams, president of
the library board, presided and in his opening address referred to the pleasure
it afforded him at being present on such an important occasion. In a short
speech he recounted some of the trials and conditions under which the directors
and members of what was then a library, association had to undergo in order
to keep alive what had been culminated in the present beautiful building.
Mr. Williams also referred to the services of Messrs. W.J. Clarke, C.J.
Hollands, Wm. Lloyd, W.A. Rae and others who were the pioneers of the library
association, which had been so freely rendered. He said he hoped the citizens
of Fort Frances would avail themselves of the opportunity of the new librarary
of what was now freely offered. Mr. Williams' remarks were received with
applause, after which Miss Dorothy Fraleigh gave in splendid style a reading
which was not only very much appreciated but was loudly applauded. Miss
Fraleigh is a most talented young lady and it is to be hoped the public
will have an opportunity of hearing her again at an early date.
A song in god style by Rev. F.C. Middleton was followed by a few well chosen
remarks by Mr. C. J. Hollands, who gave some very timely advice. Mrs. Myers
being called on, rendered a song in excellent voice, eliciting hearty applause.
J.A. Osborne followed this with a short address in which he referred to
the present opening of such a public building as being another step and
mark in the progress of Fort Frances. Mr. W.J. Clark then gave in excellent
voice a patriotic song after which Rev. J.R. Harris, B.A., closed the proceedings
with an excellent address in which he referred to the aid of education received
through the means of a new public library.
The new library was built at a cost of $10,000, the site of which was donated
by the crown lands department. The contractor, Mr. A.F. Scott, commenced
work in August, and under the supervision of Mr. Wm. Floyd, the architect's
inspector, good progress was made. The money was obtained from the Carnegie
foundation through the town council.
There are over 2000 volumes now on the shelves and the reading room is supplied
with all the latest magazines and periodicals. The furniture is oak and
the whole interior of the building is most inviting. The lighting system
is unique, the soft light radiating from the new pattern lamps spreading
an even light all over the room and avoiding that brilliant glare so hurtful
to the eyes. The public are cordially invited to inspect the library during
office hours and make free use of the books according to the regulations.
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