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Northern Avenue library is officially named

Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Foundation donates $2,500 for equipment for children
North Branch Library
Sault Ste. Marie Public Library North Branch is to open next spring at the former Alexander Henry School site on Northern Avenue

Sault Ste. Marie Public Library's new north branch facility has been officially named.

It will henceforth be known as, er, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library North Branch.

The plain-vanilla-but-functional handle was selected by the library's board tonight after rejecting suggestions that it be named after local Victoria Cross recipient William Merrifield, or that a contest be held to obtain citizen input.

The name selection was fast-tracked tonight after Toni Nanne-Little, board chairperson, said that "fund-raising is a little bit easier when you have a name for something."

The board's policy for naming libraries prohibits selling sponsorships including naming rights to entire library branches or locations.

"Library facilities should utilize geographic descriptors within their names to clearly identify the geographic location of the facility unless an exceptional circumstance arises," the policy states.

However, in exceptional circumstances a library may be named after "a name of historic significance or to recognize the efforts of a prominent individual."

William Merrifield's name was proposed by Rev. Phillip D. Miller.

But board member Wayne Greco urged that the North Branch name be made official immediately to ensure that fund-raising efforts aren't inhibited.

Another name may be adopted any time in the future, Greco said, pointing out that the downtown Centennial branch existed for a half-century before it was renamed after former mayor James L. McIntyre.

The new north branch is set to open next spring on Northern Avenue, adjoining Boreal French Immersion Public School in what used to be Alexander Henry High School.

It will feature:

  • three thousand square feet of archives dedicated to preserving Sault Ste. Marie's history
  • two program rooms available for use as community meeting space
  • more than 5,000 square feet of public space for collections, computers, programming and public use
  • a Science North Think Hub
  • six internet computer stations available to the public

Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is working to raise $100,000 for the new north branch.

As of Nov. 15, 6.2 per cent ($6,190) had been realized:

  • Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Foundation has promised $2,500 for equipment dedicated to children
  • United Steelworkers Local 2724 has donated $500
  • Princess Marie Jose Lodge Board has donated $250
  • Toronto-based book wholesaler Tinlids has offered to organize a fund-raising event at the official branch opening. Owner Maria Martella is originally from Sault Ste. Marie
  • PUC has offered to support activities at the branch library related to science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics

Donations to the north branch library may be made in person or online using Paypal, credit card or Visa debit card.

A sponsorship package is also available for major benefactors.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact manager of community engagement Helena Huopalainen at 705-759-5243 or [email protected]

 


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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