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History of the Mayne Island Community Library

Our story

The Postmistress, Betty Klatt, had a book exchange in the post office in the 1980’s. Early in the 1990’s, a group of readers formed the Mayne Island Library Club. This group used their own funds, plus a CRD grant of $1500, and rented a 200 sq. ft. space at the Island’s Centre Store on Fernhill Road. They received donated books from residents.

Later, the library moved to Miner’s Bay Mall, and rented a 400 sq ft space at a reduced rate, and was served by a volunteer librarian along with 30 volunteers.  The shelves held 3000 books, while others were stored in basements, barns and attics around the island. Funds were entirely from fundraising through book sales, $10 memberships and grants (Hamber Foundation, $500, 1996; Koerner Foundation, 1996, 1998, 1999; Chris Spencer Foundation, $5,000, October 26, 2000) until a referendum allowed for tax support.

On September 29, 1994, the Mayne Reading Centre Society was incorporated under the Society Act. The purposes of the Society were: “to establish and maintain a community library and to formulate the objectives and priorities of the library and to program the services which the library will provide.” Awareness of the need for a larger space was realized shortly after, and planning for the Miners Bay Park and Library Project began. Miners Bay Park, which was zoned commercial, was purchased from the Bennet family estate.

The first attempt, called “The Village Green Project” was unsuccessful in 1999, but the Mayne Island Chamber of Commerce took over the project and the purchase was finalized. A sum of $235,000 was raised by many very generous citizens and foundations which enabled the purchase of the land and double wide building 2001. A goal of raising $350,000 was set in advance of detailed plans. Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Reading Centre, Mayne Island Park Commission and other interested citizens formed a planning committee to overcome issues raised about zoning, siting and others which would escalate costs four or five times greater than the expectations.

In April, 2002, the Vancouver Foundation donation of $30,000 provided for the addition of a community meeting place as part of the plan. The Board had the building re-designed to allow for practical layout changes, basement storage, public washrooms and the community meeting room. As well as gifts of money, tradesmen also donated their time.

In 2004, the interior work on the library was finished, and a special “thank you” event for all volunteers who contributed to the project was held in August.  There was also a special recognition event for donors and supporters. The title of the property was turned over to the CRD, designating the 1.4 acres as a park, and renting the building back to the MIRC for $1 per year during the 2 year temporary permit period.

In September 2006, the Mayne Reading Centre Society entered into the Southern Gulf Islands Library Agreement with the Capital Regional District, which included libraries on Pender, Galiano, Piers, and Saturna Islands. This agreement provides for the distribution of the annual provincial and CRD funding among the Southern Gulf Islands Community libraries, as well as coordinating programs and services provided by the Public Library Services Branch through the Pender Island Public Library Association. In the spring of 2011, a new lease agreement between the MIRC and the CRD was finalized after several years of operating without a signed agreement.

June 7, 2011

Mayne Is. Community Library, volunteers

Mayne Is. Community Library volunteers