Nearly 50 years ago, on May 22, 1967, 2,000 people turned out for the grand opening of what was then the brand-new Copper Cliff Public Library building.
One of many Centennial buildings erected in honour of Canada's 100th birthday, the library was jointly funded by the federal government and Inco.
The mining company had previously housed the community's library at its general office, but with library circulation increasing 400 per cent between 1948 and 1959, Inco decided to contribute to a standalone library building.
This was in the years when Copper Cliff was still a separate town — it hadn't yet amalgamated with the City of Sudbury.
Mayor R.G. Dow — you may recognize this name from the community's swimming pool, which was named for him — opened the building.
Built by architect J.B. Sutton, Copper Cliff Public Library — one of the oldest local library buildings in the area still in use — hasn't changed much.
The interior and exterior of the building still look pretty well as they did in photos taken in 1967.
Here's a fun fact — Copper Cliff Public Library is home to two paintings by Group of Seven member A.Y. Jackson, which are still on display in the library. It's worth a trip to the library just to check out the art.
The paintings were donated by the Stewart family — S. Walter Stewart was an acquaintance of Jackson's, and received the paintings from him.
This year, Canada celebrates its sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday. That means, of course, that Copper Cliff Public Library is now 50 years old.
Community members are invited to a celebration of this milestone at the library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 18.
The event will include free refreshments and children's activities — “just the best birthday party in town,” said Celina Chitaroni, community library programmer with Greater Sudbury Public Library.
People will be invited to write down their memories of the library on Post-It notes for everyone to read.
In the glass case at the entrance to the library, you can also check out a display about the history of the Copper Cliff Public Library, including photos and memorabilia.
It was put together by Greater Sudbury Museums in conjunction with library staff. One of the photos on display is of Enid Holden, the first librarian to work in the building.
“Actually my dad grew up here (in Copper Cliff),” said Donna Stokes, lead for the Copper Cliff Public Library. “He just passed last year. He said this place hasn't changed at all. The only person that is gone is Ms. Holden.
“She used to sit at the desk, and any time a kid would say anything, she'd say 'Shh!' She used to sit at her desk with her cigarette and smoke.”
Chitaroni, who runs programming at the library, including storytime for young children, said the building is Copper Cliff's “central hub.”
“There really isn't anywhere else to spend time with your neighbours and get out,” she said. “All the young parents in this town meet each other here for storytime every week and then go for walks in the park. It just brings everybody together. They really care about this place.”
