It was not hushed and quiet tones that could be heard as Prince Rupert Public Library celebrated its centennial anniversary with a party and just under 200 guests on May 28.
Staff served cake, cookies and refreshments, as well as handed out pins to commemorate the occasion. A historical timeline of the library’s history was posted around the room allowing guests to take a symbolic walk through the ups and downs of the past 100 years.
The party was just one way the library will recognize its centennial year. There will be different occasions throughout the year marking the milestone, Joe Zelwietro, chief librarian said.
Expecting 40 to 50 people to attend the celebrations, that number alone was in line outside the building, waiting for the party doors to swing wide at the 1 p.m. opening. By 2:30 p.m. the cake was down to a remaining few pieces after more than 150 people had bestowed their good wishes in person, with more guests continuing to arrive until the 4 p.m. close.
“I think everybody had positive things to say [about today]. I think people do appreciate the public goodness of the library. It’s important now that you can come to a place where everybody’s welcome. And you don’t have to pay,” he said.
The chief librarian explained that from 1913 to 1922 readers had to pay for the privilege in the city’s private reading room which was for members only. After lobbying the city council, and further provincial inauguration The Prince Rupert Library was established for public use.
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