The Battleford Library turned 100 this year, and the staff decided to celebrate this milestone with a giveaway for the building's patrons.
The building that now serves as the home of the Battleford Library was originally opened in 1912 as a Merchant's Bank. It subsequently became a lawyer's office and residence, then a real estate office. In 1932, the Bank of Montreal moved in, and they were residents at the site until 1977, when the building was given to the town as a heritage site. In 1982, it was given its current role as the home of the Battleford Library.
Through 2012, library patrons were invited to keep track of the number of books they withdrew from the library, with a total of 100 being the goal. All participants, however, received prizes. On Dec. 5, library staff celebrated the anniversary by giving away gifts and receiving one of their own.
The Town of Battleford donated a print of a photo taken in 1958, showing the building as it stood then.
A total of 25 individuals were also given prizes for having taken out books over the last year, ranging from commemorative mugs to a digital camera.
