Okotoks Public Library wants to hear your library story

The Okotoks Public Library will be marking a major milestone by publishing a book that looks back on its first 50 years, but before it does so, it wants to hear from the public. 

Halted during the pandemic, the book project has now picked up steam with a goal of releasing the finished product in February of 2027 to coincide with the library’s 50th anniversary. 

Those involved with the project have been collecting information and anecdotes from former employees and library board members but they’re now at a point where they’d like to hear from members of the public on how the library has impacted their lives. 

“We’ve been in contact with lots of people who have worked or been associated with the library and now we’re putting out a call to the community that we want to hear your story,” said library director Sarah Gillie. “I think the stories are the important part, it's the stories that make the library. 

"It could be someone new to the community coming to a library program that allowed them to meet new people and feel more connected. We love hearing stories like that.”

Local author/editor Lorna Stuber, who is managing editor of the project, said the book will serve as a historical archive of the library, touching on everything from its humble beginnings, its evolution to present day and the impact it's had on the community. 

“A group of citizens pushed to make this library happen. They literally went door-to-door to get a petition going to start one, it was all very grassroots,” said Stuber. “It was just a bunch of mothers who said, 'Hey, we should have a library in town, how do we get one going?’” 

She said the book project has been fortunate to have the involvement of Linda Blasetti, one of original board members back in 1977, who has been able to provide details on the early days when the collection consisted of discards from other libraries. It now numbers more than 60,000 items. 

Stuber said they want to hear from anyone, from volunteers to donors to patrons, who has a library story to tell, but they have a particular interest in hearing from those who have a connection to the library through its first couple of decades. 

Email stories or questions to [email protected]. 

Gillie said they’re hoping to access grant funding to help publish the book.