The story of the Minnedosa library starts in the 1960's when Mrs. Robert Sharpe offered a gift of $10,000 to establish a library in town. Much interest was taken in this proposal but despite the efforts made by concerned citizens, the idea was shelved.
In 1972, the Provincial Government introduced legislation offering a new Agnes Grant structure to communities. A petition was circulated but again the idea came to an end.
It wasn't until January 1975 that a group of local citizens got together for a meeting and formed a library steering committee. This set the wheels in motion. After many meetings, much red tape and many headaches, Council agreed to proceed with a library by the end of 1975.
The first library board was formed in April of the following year with Agnes Grant as president. Shirley Metcalfe was hired in June 1976 as the first librarian. It was her job to set up the library in a 48 square foot room in the Civic Centre. The library was opened to the public in September.
Within a couple of years, at the beginning of 1978, the library board began looking into expanding the library. The small room in the Civic Centre had become crowded and was unable to house all the books needed to meet the demand.
A joint meeting with Council was held in April and after receiving a somewhat reluctant approval, the fundraising began towards the construction of a new building. Two months, a buy a brick slogan and door to door canvassing was underway. The remainder of the funds were raised through various events, such as bake sales and raffles.
By the fall of 1978, negotiations with B-B Builders were finalized and construction started. The new building was 2,690 square feet and included a reading room, work room and storage area. The prefab steel structure became the new home for the library in June 1979. The following year, the new building was completely paid for and the reading room was furnished.
More recent renovations to the Library have added 2600 square feet and include an expanded children's area, a reading lounge and computer work stations, as well as a great deal more space for housing library materials.
IN ADDITION: Our Community saw a terrible flood in June/July of 2020. The Minnedosa Library was seriously damaged by the water and was closed down for a total of 8 months while the appropriate repairs were made to the building. With a fresh and modern new look, our library plans to be an important gathering place in our community for many years to come.
Minnedosa Library Staff:
Lisa Bilcowski - Head Librarian Kim Woychyshyn - Assistant Librarian Casual Staff - Karen Kuculym, Marie Pugh & Joy Christie Volunteer - Kathy Lawson, Cory Luhowy & Jean Hachkowski Summer Reading Coordinator - Parker Pinette
Minnedosa Library Board Current Members:
Janice Burnside Tom Dowsett Dennis Pearson Tracey Oliver Hannah Morris Lorri Surovy