Image courtesy of the Milton Public Library
The Milton Public Library (MPL) is getting ready for a pretty big milestone.
On Saturday, January 25th, the MPL will have their 170th anniversary celebration. It began in 1855 under the name Milton Mechanic’s Institute and Library.
CEO and Chief Librarian, Sarah Douglas-Murray, says the MPL has grown a lot over the years, and they want to celebrate that growth with the community.
The anniversary celebration will be happening across all three branches on Saturday, January 25th, 2025.
There’s also an ongoing short story contest that’s open to teens. They’re asked to imagine what the library would have looked like when it first opened. Write a short story of no more than 1000 words, and submit it.
“It is 1855, and the brand new Milton Mechanic’s Institute and Library is finally ready,” says the contest listing. “Are you excited? Who are you? Are you one of the 49 members who registered in the first year? Did you pay your annual dues of 10 shillings (about $106 today), or do you still owe it? Are you going to attend a lecture, or borrow a book, or maybe a magazine? Do you know the first librarian, Mr. James Laidlaw, who has kindly allowed the library to take up part of his shop and be open two days a week?”
Learn more about the contest here. The deadline is Thursday, January 9th, 2025. Winners will be announced at the anniversary celebration.
More news will be announced about the anniversary celebration in the coming weeks. Follow along with the event on social media here.
Find all three MPL branches here:
- Main – 1010 Main Street East in Milton
- Sherwood – 6355 Main Street West in Milton
- Beaty – 945 Fourth Line in Milton
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