Port Perry in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Scugog War Memorial Library

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024

1. Scugog War Memorial Library Marker

Inscription.
The history of libraries in Scugog Township dates back to 1856 when the Port Perry Mechanic's Institute was formed for the dual purpose of a library and lecture hall. About 1880, the library was discontinued and the books were given to Port Perry High School or sold off.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union opened a reading room about 1894 which was furnished with chairs and periodicals. A few years later an 'Associate Library' was formed which operated for about 30 years.

In December 1916, the library moved into the ground floor of the former post office at the corner of Queen and John Street. Five years later, in June 1922, Village Council approved a proposal to purchase the property, tear down the building and construct a War Memorial Library. In 1924, the 'Associate Library' became the town's first “Public Free Library”.

On October 15, 1934, the cornerstone for the new War Memorial Library was laid by Mrs. W.H. Harris, and seven months later the new building was officially opened by The Honourable Herbert A. Bruce, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, assisted by General James A. MacBrien (both former Port Perry boys).

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The War Memorial Library was opened as a memorial to the men of World Wars I and II and featured a “Book of Remembrance” which was kept in a lighted niche above the library's stone fireplace.

This library served the residents of Port Perry and area until 1982 when a new library was built on Water Street, on Port Perry's waterfront.

[photo captions]
• Memorial Library Opening, 1924
• Memorial Library, 1935
• Memorial Library, 2007

Erected by Township of Scugog.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Patriots & Patriotism • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1934.

Location. 44° 6.246′ N, 78° 56.772′ W. Marker is in Port Perry, Ontario, in Durham Region. It is on Queen Street just west of John Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located along the sidewalk on the south side of Reflection Park. The subject Scugog War Memorial Library is located just to the east, on the east side of Reflection Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 269 Queen Street, Port Perry ON L9L 1B9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Marker detail: Hon. Herbert A. Bruce image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Hon. Herbert A. Bruce

this marker is in Greater Toronto,

specifically on the Golden Horseshoe,

in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area,

and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club (here, next to this marker); Elias Williams Family (a few steps from this marker); The 1884 Port Perry Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Orr Graham (within shouting distance of this marker); The Jessop Block (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Courtice Block (about 120 meters away); The Harrington Block (about 150 meters away); Township of Scugog Land Acknowledgement (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Perry.

Also see . . . Library History & Photos.

Excerpt: On May 24th, 1935 the War

3. Marker detail: Sir James A. MacBrien
Memorial Library was officially opened. In the early 1980s, a committee was formed to determine how best to expand the War Memorial Library for future use by the public. The War Memorial Library could not be expanded due to the flooding of the adjacent bowling green. The library building committee located a new site at 231 Water Street and a new Library opened to the public on May 29, 1982. In 2006, it became clear that the library was again in need of expansion. Construction began in April 2010 and the newly renovated expanded library opened its doors to the public on April 25th, 2011.

(Submitted on November 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024

4. Scugog War Memorial Library Marker

Looking northeast from Queen Street; the Scugog War Memorial Library building is in the background.

Scugog Heritage Designation Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024

5. Scugog Heritage Designation Marker

(mounted on left side of the front entrance)
War Memorial Library
1934
Scugog Heritage Designation

Scugog War Memorial Library (<i>south/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024

6. Scugog War Memorial Library (south/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.