About Us

The Sables-Spanish Rivers Public Libraries are community resources, dedicated to enriching lives through the promotion of literacy and reading, and by providing the means to access information and new ideas

Mission Statement

Library History

  • The history of the library
  • Continued from previous picture
  • First library was opened October 15, 1960, in the kitchen of what was the funeral parlour
  • Lester B. Pearson, the Prime Minister of Canada, visits Massey
  • Children gathering to meet Lester B. Pearson
  • Lester B. Pearson’s visit: September 14, 1967
  • The famous autograph
  • Library on the main street in Massey: June 3, 1972
  • Fundraising for the new library to be built at 185 Grove Street
  • Mrs. Marsall is looking forward to her dream of a new library becoming a reality
  • Official library in Massey
  • Turning the sod at Massey Library Left to right: Eira Robertson (Board Chair), Maurice Cazabon (Massey Mayor), Bernard Mailloux (Deputy Reeve Spanish River Township), and Gwen Marshall (Librarian)
  • Ribbon cutting Left to right: Gwen Marshall (Librarian), John Lane (MPP), Maurice Cazabon (Massey Mayor), Mack Emiry (Reeve of Spanish River Township), and Armando Soares (Architect/Contractor)
  • Ribbon cutting at the new library
  • Massey’s new library
  • Opening of the new library: December 1, 1979
  • Opening day: Armando and Gail Soares
  • Flag donation by Maurice Foster (Incumbent MPP) with Gwen Marshall (Librarian) and Eva Fraser (Massey Mayor)
  • Gwen Marshall retires: December 1, 1980
  • Story hour: 2007
  • Webbwood Public Library: Linda Lendrum

The Massy Public Library has been opening windows to opportunities since the doors opened on October 15, 1960. On opening day, the library had thirty-five juvenile books and assorted adult books donated by the community. One hundred and eight people took home a book that day. Mrs. Gwen Marshall was the first librarian. Today our libraries have over 16,000 items and circulate over 17,000 items a year. 

In May 1962, the Massey Library moved to a classroom in the former Continuation Schools, where it stayed for the next five years. When the Library moved to the old Royal Bank, they made a museum their centennial project as there were five rooms on the second floor not being used. In 1968, the Museum formed their own Board and shared the building with the library. In September 1967, Prime Minister Lester Pearson visited the Library and Museum.The library board received a grant from Wintario and with local funding drives was able to turn the sod for the current building in the early spring of 1979.

In January 1973, the first meeting of the Webbwood Public  Library was held at the home of Bennett Harold Maze. The library opened in the Webbwood Public School under the suggestion of Mr. Peter Boyko in April of 1973. Mrs. Charlene Frost was the first librarian. In 1977 the town gathered support to open a Public Library at the Municipal Office building and in 1978 the library applied for a Wintario Grant for renovations and furnishings. In July 1988 Webbwood amalgamated with the Town of Massey and Walford and the unorganized townships creating the Sables-Spanish Rivers Public Library Board. 

Our libraries are a community treasure, serving township residents, neighbouring communities, and summer tourists. The Sables-Spanish Rivers Public Libraries provides entertainment, leisure, supports self-directed learning, and knowledge creation. Visit us today in person or online to see how we are growing to suit your needs!

Sables-Spanish River Library Board Members

Ursula Robinson (Chair)

M. Williams (CEO and Treasurer)

Jolie Bianchin (Vice Chair/Recording Secretary)

Kevin Burke

Denise Trenaman

Sue Christiansen

Merri-Ann Hobbs

Stacey Wagler

Kathy Moore

Library Resources

Library Board meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM. Board meetings are open to the public with the exceptions of Closed Meetings or during in camera.

Policies
Library Board Minutes
Annual Reports

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in joining our team? Both the Massey and Webbwood branches offer engaging volunteer and employment opportunities within your community.

Everyone has what it takes to help out at the library! Take part in the rewarding experience of volunteering with your community today by filling out the form below:

Volunteer Form

Anyone interested in applying for a position at either of our locations should contact Serena Mariage, library CEO, directly at the following email address:

infomasseylibrary@gmail.com

Local Resources

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