In 1941, the Bloomfield Library was profiled in the Ontario Library Review with a retrospective article written by librarian Filona Barker.  Opened in 1896, the library had served the village until the First World War.  As noted in the article, “War, however, having broken out, the demands of the Red Cross etc, made it necessary to cease operations of the library.”  In 1923, the library re-opened with the support of the Women’s Institute and service has continued in the same location ever since with the ongoing support of the community.

While the Picton Branch Library was under construction, the Bloomfield Branch provided a home to the interlibrary loan and processing of the library. Now that the expansion is largely complete and this work has returned to Picton, an open space has been created with lots of possibilities.   We have already hosted a video game tournament, children’s tea party and workshop on preserving your memories through the digitization of family photos but there is potential for more programs, and that is where we need your help.

On Friday, April 26 at 2 p.m. we’ll have the first meeting of the new Friends of the Bloomfield Branch Library, and anyone with suggestions or ideas for the branch is invited to drop by.  Ideas the group might consider are: What types of programs would you like to see at the library?  Would you be interested in a book club or other discussion group?   The time commitment will be decided by the group – some groups of the Friends meet monthly, but the group will decide together how to proceed.  

The Bloomfield Branch Library is home to a used bookstore we call the “Bloomfield Booktique” through the sale of used books,  we have collected enough funds to repaint the front door, so selecting a colour will be the first order of business.

Friends of the Library groups can take a variety of roles, including fundraising, advocacy, volunteering, and generally championing the library in the community.  This is a great opportunity for anyone with a little time or interest in the library to come and share their thoughts and meet others interested in libraries and the community. If you can’t make the meeting time, don’t hesitate to stop by anytime during branch hours to share your ideas.

As Filona Barker said in her article in 1941 and still true today: “We feel that our library is one of the beauty spots of our village and stands as a worthy tribute to the efforts of those who have persisted… always with the best interests of the community at heart.”