It's SGPL's 50th Anniversary year!
Do you have a memory or appreciation of the library you would like to share? Enter it below.

2011, June 21 - 1:52pm — Coreen

I am so grateful for the Spruce Grove Library. When I first moved here, I did't know anyone, so I put my daughter into the library programs, as a way for both of us to meet new people.
In one of those programs, I ended up meeting my best Friend Darlene, and are still friends to this day.
The library has been my favorite place to be(as well as my childrens), and inspired me to apply for a job here. I am happy working for a such a community minded organization, and proud to be a small part in their 50th year history.

Library History

1961-1968: Highway 16 and King St.

• 1961: By the end of its first year of operation, the library boasted a collection of 750 items, a membership of 213 patrons, was open four hours a week, and circulated items from its modest collection 2201 times.

1968-1972: First St.
1972-1974: Basement of the Yellowhead Regional Library
1974-1981: Town Administration Building on King St. 5th.

• Fall 1974: The Library hired its first fulltime Librarian, Marie Matiaszow
• 1975: City Council passes a by-law making the library a municipal responsibility and the Spruce Grove Community Library became the Spruce Grove Public Library
• Collection of 7860 Items, a membership of 1588 patrons, and circulation stats of 21,457
• 1977: Audio-Visual Collection of phonograph records and 16mm films.

1981-1991: Basement of the Shenfield Center

• Early 1980’s: Introduction of Videocassettes and books on tape.
• Spring 1990: Spruce Grove Library introduced its first automated catalogue. Gone were the card catalogues and rubber stamps. In their place were computer terminals, barcodes, and light wands!
• 1990: Incorporation of the Friends of the Spruce Grove Library. A community group that organizes fundraisers, book sales, and other events to highlight the library in the community.

1991-2007: King Street Mall

• Mid 1990’s: Dial Up Internet Connection available at the library.
• 1999: The Spruce Grove Public Library joined The Alberta Library (TAL) community.
• 2003: Membership base of over 6000 patrons, collection of 50,000 items. In 2003 we circulated over 210,000 items and processed over 30,000interlibrary loan requests.

2007-Present: Melcor Cultural Centre