In 1894, rural Quebec’s first free public library opened its door. Built and bequeathed to the community by Narcissa Farrand Pettes in memory of her late husband Nathaniel, Pettes Memorial Library was private gift for generations to come. 

Today, Pettes remains free and independent of any institution or government. Operated largely by volunteers, it is funded entirely by grants and donations, making it a "rare bird" in the Quebec library community. 

Still housed in its historic Victorian-era building, it has changed little since 1894. But its mandate has evolved. Today it offers a wide range of collections, split evenly between French and English. It is a digital hub and it actively collaborates with other community organizations to better fulfill the need for information, knowledge, culture, education, literacy and social interaction. 

A pillar of the community

Pettes Memorial is one of Brome Lake’s three cultural pillars, along with the Theatre and the Museum. Its expansion project will add still more to the cultural life of the area. It will also honour the Library’s history, bequeathing a heritage building with modern, efficient facilities and equipment to current and future generations. New communal areas will help maintain and promote long-term community development. Fresh cultural, intellectual and social activities, up-to-the-minute technology, not to mention a continuing tradition of independence will foster pride in community and social cohesion and enhance quality of life for all. 

A more ambitious strategic plan

The idea of ​​expanding Pettes Memorial came about in 2018 when the Board of Trustees updated its strategic plan. Clearly the Library needed to do and offer more. But it was equally clear that it lacked the necessary space. Thousands of books in its active collections were stored off-site; hundreds more joined them every year. Book clubs, writers’ groups, children’s programs, lectures… So many requests from the community went unanswered or were severely limited due to inadequate space. 

A delicate balance

And so the Board commissioned Chevalier Morales Architectes (CMA), an award-winning firm with extensive library experience, to conduct a prefeasibility study. The result would not only increase useful space, it would also refurbish the venerable old building and bring it up to the environmental and accessibility standards of the day.

The preliminary plan respects the delicate balance between preserving historic character and creating a future-ready facility. It protects the heritage façade of the building, while enhancing the back view and increasing accessibility by opening the Library onto the new, revitalized Coldbrook Park. 

More for everyone

In addition to a bright, interactive area for children and sections devoted to teens and adults (each equipped with multiple computers), the new wing will include a large multi-functional room, reception area with tourism information desk and public washrooms available outside library hours. A well equipped MediaLab will promote creativity, and a roof-top garden terrace will combine relaxation with educational opportunities and a view of the park. On the upper floor, the current library space will be refreshed, while respecting its historic character. 

New and old space will feature the latest digital equipment for every age group. Multi-generational services, programs and activities will dramatically expand the Library’s offering and small work rooms will finally allow Pettes to satisfy requests for space for book clubs, writers’ groups, literacy activities – in  short, to fulfill its mandate.

Construction is expected to begin in 2022, with inauguration of the new wing in 2023. Stay tuned!