Blind River Library history rich in community involvement Blind River Public Library has welcomed patrons since it's inception in 1926 when pioneers of the town realized a library was a dream shared by many residents. The public library association was organized on October 25, 1926 by Rev. Richard Haines, Rector of St. Saviour's Anglican Church. The minister's heart was in the project and he worked hard to convince the public that a library would benefit them and their children. The late Dr. John Robb favored the project and called a public meeting. A local lawyer, the late George J. McArthur, acted as secretary. The meeting was well attended, the matter was fully discussed but no action was taken. At that time, the only library was operated by the Sisters of Wisdom in connection with St. Joseph's School. The books were in french, and the Library was not open to the public. Mr. Haines called a second meeting and the majority of those present favored the organizing of a library. Mr. Haines was elected chairman of the first board, and the late Annie McCrimmon, secretary. They had membership cards printed and Mr. Haines carried them with him. Within a short time, he sold 121 memberships at $1.00 each. This Was a major victory because to qualify for the government grant they had to have at least 100 members. The late Paul Freemont was mayor at that time and offered to assist by allowing the use of the mayor's office in the town hall to establish the first library. The Late Mrs. Jean Haines, wife of the Rector, assisted by the late Mrs. H.B. Christilaw, Mr. & Mrs. Maurice F. Dyke, Mr. & Mrs. George J. McArthur and Mr. & Mrs. Harry H.Bell held a card party, the admission to the affair was two books. This started the library off. The late Marie Burd, wife of Blind River's first resident doctor, John Burd volunteered to act as librarian. The women continued to hold card parties and the number of books increased. Later, a large number of books were given to the library by the people of Worthington, when their library closed. The supply of books was again increased when the supply of books was again increased when the board's application to the government for the travelling library was approved. The library houses approximately 13,263 volumes and 30 periodicals in English, and French. The 1986 circulation was 30,830, an increase of 10% compared to 1985. The library offers an interlibrary loan service. As a member of the Ontario Library Service -Voyageur, the library has access to thousands of titles held by larger libraries in the province. Membership is free to Blind River taxpayers. A $5.00 a year per family user fee is charged to families who do not pay municipal taxes. The meeting room is available free of charge to non profit organizations and groups. In 1977, a Wintario Grant and. generous matching funds, form citizens and other interested people enabled the Library Board to add an Extension and triple the size.