On April 29, 1912, two weeks after the Titanic sank, the Fort William Public Library (Brodie Resource Library) opened. We’ve done a lot better than that ill-fated ship. Mary J. L. Black was the first Librarian. Built with a $50,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation, this architecturally pleasing building is rich in history. I must admit, it really grows on you. When I came here twenty seven years ago I thought – what a creaky old building. With time I’ve learned to truly appreciate it, from the woodwork to the large arched windows complete with stained glass fanlights featuring well-known authors such as Dickens and Shakespeare.1955 brought an addition to the south end of the building and the redesign of the entrance way, which was again renovated in 1966. In 1980 some of the original ambiance of the building was restored when oak tables and newspaper racks were returned to the Fireside Reading Room. It’s my favourite section of the building. I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about this anniversary as it approaches, but I thought I’d tell you a bit about us now. We do have an interesting history prior to 1912, but I’ll focus on events since then.
1918
In the fall of 1918 parts of the library were pressed into use during the Spanish flu epidemic. The library was closed and the Reading Room and the lecture hall were turned into an emergency hospital. Twelve hospital beds were installed as well as beds on loan from the Frederic hotel. During the Swine flu epidemic last fall, staff recalled the library’s involvement. Some of us have been here long enough that you might think we were here for that event. During the 1918 epidemic the Board of Health kept a lid on schools, churches, pool rooms and other places of public gatherings. The first flu deaths occurred in the city in early October and things rapidly escalated until the epidemic ended in April. The tally was 1,005 hospitalized and 160 deaths. If you would like to read more about this we have the newspaper on microfilm in the Brodie Reference department.
Sources: Daily Times Journal October 7, 1958 and Daily Times Journal October 30, 1918
1940
In the summer of 1940 the library board offered the ground floor of the library to billet members of the Lake Superior Regiment. At that time the reading room and lecture hall were located downstairs. Recruits for the regiment were arriving in town and were tested for entry into the unit. City buildings were offered to help house the influx of recruits.
Source: Daily Times Journal July 12, 1940
1941 to 1972
Did you know the Thunder Bay Historical Museum was located in the library?
1947 to 1967
The local office of the National Film Board was located in the library. In 1948 filmstrip distribution began. Remember filmstrips? How about the 35 mm movies we used to carry? Some staff have vivid memories of them. Especially the person who was showing a movie that was on three reels. The take up reel didn’t work and an audience member pointed out that the film was pooling on the floor.
1982
On February 27, 1982 the Brodie Resource Library was designated as a historically significant building. Mayor Walter Assef was in attendance to unveil the plaque. Remember Jolly Wally? He was a colourful character, not unlike the stained glass fanlights in the library. In June the Victoriaville Library opened. It housed the fiction previously held at Brodie.
Source: LF TB Libraries – TBPL – Brodie Resource Library
The next time you’re in the area, stop by and have a look at this grand old building. Stay tuned for anniversary events in 2012. Hope to see you there.
Karen Craib is a Library Technician
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