Fonds edson-6 - Edson & District Public Library fonds

<p>The Edson Public Library was conceived at a meeting of the Edson Community Club on October 12th, 1943, where the idea was discussed and a committee appointed to research the creation of a public library service. Until this point, the only public library service available was through Mr. Switzer's drug store. In 1944, the Edson Motor Company offered the use of a small service station located on Main Street and 4th Avenue that had been vacant for some time, until such time that the company would require it. After the building of the modest amount of shelving required, the library was open and operational by spring of 1944. By the summer of 1945, with the war over, the Motor Company decided to open it's service station once more, so the library arranged to move the library to the council chambers of the old Town Hall. The chambers were somewhat warmer, but it also shared an entrance with the Police Office and cell block, and so children and sensitive adults were made very uncomfortable there, especially since unsavory voices could be heard through the thin walls separating the cells from the library. <p>After winter passed, it was again moved to the Scout Hall of the time, and by this time, the book stock was noticeably increased, as well as the hours, which were extended longer. In spite of the cold temperatures within the building, it afforded space for additional shelving, and was well located in the centre of the community. However, in 1956, a new Town Hall with provisions for library quarters was in the works, and was ready for occupancy by 1957. This was a great step for the Edson Public Library: it finally had a properly designed, comfortable quarters, with and adequate amount of steel shelving. This building lasted the Edson Public Library through many years, and saw it expand in collection size, as well as bear witness to its inception as an Alberta Public Library, around October of 1963. The new library that is presently in use was built in the late 1970s, and has served the library well to date.</p>