Historical Background
In the early 1930’s the members of the Apsley Women’s Institute initiated a book lending service. Books were received from the Traveling Libraries Branch of the Toronto Education System for a period of three months. The books were stored in the Town Hall, Red Cross Hospital or Orange Hall.
1937
The need for a library became evident for which money had to be raised in the c
ommunity. Burleigh and Anstruther Township Council gave permission for a library to be built on municipal property next to the Town Hall for the fee of one dollar per year.
1939
During the summer the building was raised entirely by volunteer workers and books weeded from the Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston libraries were put on the shelves. Volunteer librarians and members of the Women’s Institute provided the service.
1940
Hydro came to Apsley and the building was wired.
1961
March 31st, the Town Hall caught fire and it quickly spread to the library. The $1500 insurance money was put into a Bursary Fund for Apsley students who graduated from grade 13 at Lakefield and were going on to further education.
1968
A new library system was started in Ontario and the Burleigh Anstruther library became part of the Lake Ontario Regional Library System. The Burleigh Anstruther Council made available a room in the newly built Municipal Offices and the Lake Ontario Regional Library System agreed to put in shelving, furniture and 1500 books.
