The birthday cake was trimmed, the tea was steeping, and the patrons, all 150 or so of them, shuffled into their seats. On the 13th of June, the Saint John Free Public Library celebrated its 130th birthday. This was no small milestone for the library, which was the first free public library in Canada when it was founded 13 decades ago, in a country that was not yet sixteen years of age.
In commemoration of its long life, our historic but vibrant library took a day to reflect on all that has been, is and will be in the future. The party started with opening remarks by Jason Alcorn, the Chair of the Board of Commissioners. Patrons and staff were then graced by the “presence” of John Boyd, a well-known local 19th century book-lover who was portrayed by David Goss. Boyd, top-hat and all, spoke of life in Saint John before the library was established, and how grateful he was to see that the library had taken root and grown to its present stature. He shared some stories about his own contribution to the city’s literary life. He once impersonated Charles Dickens at a book reading when the noted author was unable to make it to the city on his North American tour, and had compiled a sizable private library, though it would be destroyed by the Great Fire of 1877. He expressed his regret that he was not able to join the library’s Board of Commissioners in 1883, due to his appointment to the Senate in 1880, but was thrilled at the chance to speak at the library’s birthday celebration.
Resurrected 19th century Saint Johner John Boyd shares some stories with the audience.
Next on the program was Ian Wilson, Regional Director of the Fundy Library Region, who presented an illustrated history of the Saint John Free Public Library. Tracing the library from its humble beginnings in the upstairs of the City Market building, with just a single caretaker, the library has experienced quite the transformation. In 1904, the library would move to the Carnegie building. In the late 1960s, the library established two branch locations on the West and East sides of the city, and then moved its central library to the Market Square complex in 1983. Wilson’s presentation included photographs from the library’s past, as well as some amusing anecdotes. At the conclusion of his speech, City Librarian Joann Hamilton-Barry joined Wilson for the re-unveiling of a portrait of Andrew Carnegie, the American philanthropist who donated $50,000 for the construction of the suitably named Carnegie building, which would serve as the library’s home from 1904-1983.
Regional Director Ian Wilson and City Librarian Joann Hamilton-Barry unveil a portrait of Andrew Carnegie, one of our library’s early benefactors.
Moving to the present, Hamilton-Barry spoke about the library’s present programs and services, which make the Saint John Free Public Library a valuable part of the city’s cultural, social and educational life. Of particular note, as a part of its 130th birthday celebrations, the library is holding a writing contest. Participants, she explained, are asked to write in 130 words or less why they love the library so much. The winner will receive a Kobo e-reader. Children’s Librarian Heather Mckend then introduced the premiere of “130 Things,” a short film produced by young patrons to commemorate the library’s birthday.
The floor was then given over to Mayor Mel Norton, who spoke on the library’s future. As a member of the Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Saint John spoke of the first class nature of the library, and how the high degree of professionalism among staff played a role in helping the City of Saint John to achieve its status as one of the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities, as ranked by the Intelligent Community Forum in 2012.
Following the program, patrons and visitors were encouraged to mingle in the atrium and share in some refreshments, drinking tea out of fine China teacups reminiscent of those used in the Victoria era when the library first opened. All-in-all, the turnout far exceeded expectations, with the media attending in strength, and a last-second addition of seating being made to accommodate the overflow.
Patrons and staff celebrated the occasion with finger snacks, tea, and birthday cake.
Here’s to another 130 years of top-notch public service!
Were you in attendance at the party? What did you think?
Peter C
Saint John Free Public Library 