St. Joseph Twp. Public Library
PO Box 9 - 1240 Richard Street
Richards Landing, Ontario P0R1J0
(705)246-2353 (705) 246-0190 for hours only
Built in 1942 on property bought and donated by Florence Whaley Orrell, the library was built on buff cement blocks with a polished maple floor. The roof line is cottage style. The one-room building has British Columbia fir panelling on the walls. Attached to the ceiling, is a tapestry, from the Solomon Islands, made from the inner bark of the Tapa tree and inscribed with natural dyes. It brings a sense of exoticism to the library. The wood-carving insert on the original entry door, was Florence's own handiwork. Once the steel door was installed the panel was cut out and it on display in the library.
The first book put in the library was the family bible from Florence's mother Mary. It dates to the late 1700's. It is still in the library.
Other collectables in the library include a world globe, one thousand books also from Florence's mother and one thousand books donated by the Women's Institutes of the Island. The library has had a large addition added along with many books. Many island residents as well as many summer residents use the Library regularly. Our Library stores the files of the Island Historical Society which are available to look at or photocopy.
We have on display many paintings by Ada Tranter depicting a variety of scenes and landmarks.
Services offered at the public library:
- Books for all ages
- Reference books on many subjects for many levels
- ILL loan: if we don't have it we will look for it at other libraries
- Large print books/ novels
- German and French novels
- 6 computers with high speed for public use, also wireless
- faxing, photocopies, scanner
- 1 VMS machine
- many movies, both DVD and VHS to be taken out for a week
- magazines, both latest and back issues
- my first leap pad with games
- leap pad plus writing
- puzzles- 2 reading areas
- conference table great for lap tap use
- on going book sale including puzzles, movies and magazines
Fees
- copies: black and white $.20 cents per copy
- b&w print outs $.20 cents per page
- color prints $1.00 per copy
- faxing $1.00 per page sending or receiving
- cover page and confirmation print out is free
- Internet time $1.00 per half hour minimum fee $1.00
Fines:
- .25 cents per book per week
- $1.00 max. fine per book
- $5.00 max. fine for more than 2 books due on the same date
Items for Sale:
- Movies, $3.00
- Paperbacks $.25 cents
- Hardcover $1.00
- Large new Paperbacks $1.00
- Magazines $.10 cents
- Library bags with a picture of the library $5.00
Board Members
- Chair: Jennifer Courtney
- Secretary: Mireille Moes
- Sharon Thomas: Librarian Staff/CEO/treasurer
- Pam Hart
- Nancy Eckford
- Carol Smith
- Tom Wilson
- Lorraine Aelick
Children's Library of Richards Landing
The Children’s Library is the result of the kindness and vision of Mrs. Florence Orrell, a summer resident of the Island who purchased the building and property and donated them to the community for use as a children’s library.
Located on the main street in Richards Landing, this wonderful building plays an important role in the life of the community. It not only serves as a cultural and social meeting place for residents and visitors alike, but also houses mementos and artifacts from interested benefactors.
With two large fir paneled rooms warmed by a rustic stone fireplace, a cosy reading room, and an upstairs arts and crafts room, the experience offered by the Children’s Library is definitely a unique one. Memorabilia and artifacts line the walls of this historic building, from the bear rugs to Chinese wedding dolls, to antique books.
For many years local children and visitors have enjoyed the experience offered by the Children’s Library. Whether it is browsing after school, reading clubs, arts and crafts, educational workshops or the very popular author visits, the library is adored by young and the young at heart.
Whether you are an island resident, a seasonal visitor or just passing through, we invite you to come in and experience everything that the library has to offer.
