Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Glanworth library July 28 (column)

London Community News

The Glanworth public library turns 100 this month and there’s a party to help celebrate this important anniversary. The celebration — set for July 28 from 10 a.m. until noon — will no doubt bring attention to the historic value of the library as well as its significance in the community. There will be face painting, a band and refreshments. The library branch is an important hub for area residents. Barbara Shore, whose relatives Grace and William Shore helped found the library, remembers her father, Maurice, introducing her to the Glanworth branch. “He is the one who instilled the importance of the history and heritage of the community,” Barbara said. “My involvement with the library is a focal point of my life.” Barbara has passed this passion on to her daughter Meaghan, a library member. The Glanworth library branch was under threat of closing. It needs close to $250,000 in renovations. Last August, the London public library board voted to close the branch, but by September had given the Glanworth community the chance to offer some solutions. A task force has been formed to raise funds and review possibilities for library services in the community. The force has held a pledge drive, applied for grants, and fought for and won heritage designation for the library. Two more fundraisers for the Glanworth branch have been organized. A fish fry will be held Sept. 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by the Glanworth IOOF Lodge. The event is at Christ Church in Glanworth. For more information or for tickets, call Lloyd Boughner at 519-649-1797. Orchestra London will also hold an event called Beethoven and Books. It is set for Oct. 20. Stay tuned for more information. Here is a bit of history about the Glanworth branch. Part of the London public library system after the 1993 annexation, the Glanworth library came into existence when an affidavit to establish the Public Library Association of Glanworth was filed in the London Registry Office on July 28, 1912. At the first meeting of the library board, S.G. Edelstein was elected as president, Harriet Fisher was named treasurer, Rose Dawson was the secretary and Sadie Dawson was the convener. In 1923, a canvas of area residents was done and $637.95 was raised. Records show that Alec Simpson was paid $975 for building the new library. By 1934, the library became part of the Middlesex County Library Association. Books at the branch were exchanged four times a year and had to be taken to the London library By 1940, a part-time librarian was engaged by the Middlesex County Library Association and a book trailer purchased. Thanks to Marg McDowell, who sent this information. Along with the Glanworth fundraisers, please also keep this date in mind: Aug. 25. That is the day of the South East Summer Fest, organized by the City and the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre. The festival, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the South East Optimist Centre, is for the whole family. There will be world music and dance, games, bouncy gym equipment, food vendors, belly dancing and more. We are looking for artists and artisans interested in setting up a free table with their wares. To register for an arts table, contact me at sawhite@london.ca or call 226-688-9427. Enjoy your summer! Sandy White, councillor for Ward 14, can be reached at sawhite@london.ca or 226-688-9427.