Historical society hopes for space in library

Harriston’s historical society is hoping the town will help it secure public display space in Wellington Coun­ty’s plans to renovate the local historic Carnegie library.

 “We have a lot of stuff … that can disappear,” society spokesperson Ron Leslie told Minto council on Aug. 4. “What we find is that when a parent dies, the children may not see the im­portance of particular it­ems.”

He continued, “We’re all so happy to hear we’re going to keep our Car­negie library, because in some places, their landmarks are disappearing. We don’t have tractors or things like that. We have small objects and a lot of pictures … a lot of letters.”

He estimated there is potential for more items to come to the collection. He cited recent displays in downtown Harris­ton businesses.

“That’s us trying to let the public know about us.”

Mayor David Anderson asked how much space the group wants. Leslie said around 600 square feet. He said the other thing is with the amount of material the group currently has, there would not be room to display all of it at the same time. It would be nice to have storage or attic space.

Anderson said the county’s library and heritage com­mittee has work planned for the building in its five-year forecast. He tried to get hold of general draft plans of the development be­cause he was not certain how big an area there is.

“This is part of our heritage and we need a place to display it and keep it in the public eye.” He said the town should approach the county in the early planning stages.

Councillor Rick Hembly said it would be great if the county was able to incorporate the request.

Anderson said the item would be discussed later at council, but one of the things it might do is draft a letter to the county so the item can reach the committee level. There would be a monthly rental fee for the space. He cited a similar situation at the Clifford library.

Leslie said something else the committee talked about is how things change during renovations. Committee members are not really in favour of radical changes. Anderson said he would forward those concerns.

Hembly added he is certain ward county councillor Mark MacKenzie, who sits on the library committee “will make sure things stay authentic.”

MacKenzie said the library committee has not even seen the plans yet.

 

Comments