The Cranbrook Public Library celebrated its centennial with the community on July 4, marking 100 years since it first opened in 1925.
True to its core values, the library opened its doors for the public, as throngs of library-goers, supporters, friends and everyone in between, came out to celebrate the occasion with birthday cake, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, children's story time, and more.
"The one thing about the library is it's actually in the name, it's the Cranbrook Public Library," said Ursula Brigl, Chief Librarian. "We're here for the public and because of the public, so we just appreciate so much that people use the library, that they make it part of their lives and we look forward to continuing to serve them."
Brigl has been with the library since the early 90s, and has witnessed how library services has changed as technology evolved with the advent of the internet.
"Thinking back over that time...in one way, everything has changed," Brigl said. "We've got computers, we've got the IDEA lab, wi-fi, 3D printer, self-checkout — all of these wild and crazy things that you couldn't have imagined 100 years ago or even 35 years ago. But on another level, it's still exactly the same. People are coming in here and they're happy to be here, they're coming in for all different reasons."
"Every time I see somebody get their first library card and the thrill that they have associated with it, that hasn't changed."
The very first Library book ("Canada: America's Problem" by John MacCormac) was checked out in 1925 by T.M. Roberts, who served as the city's mayor at the time.
As part of the celebrations, the Library has been posting videos on social media featuring congratulatory messages from famous authors, celebrities, politicians and everyone in between from far and wide.
Mike Selby, Program & Community Development Librarian, led the initiative to reach out to as many notable folks as he could, borrowing an idea from the pandemic to utilize social media where the Library had to briefly close due to public health gathering restrictions. During that time, Selby reached out virtually to other libraries around the world, posting videos of greetings or someone reading a children's story to stay connected even as the library doors were closed.
Over the last months, Selby connected with people through social media, agents, literary agents, and chasing down all kinds of leads to gather videos of salutations and congratulations to the Library on celebrating a centennial anniversary.
"People have been so kind and so generous and it's just been incredible," Selby said. "...It's been so nice that they love the library enough to do this, to take time out of their world to congratulate us."
The list is long, but includes authors such as Richard Van Camp, Lee Goldberg, Adriana Trigiani and Claire Cameron — among many others — along with Dave Krusen (drummer for Pearl Jam), Kirk Thatcher (writer, TV and film director), Gil Moore (singer for Triumph), and others such as Adam Nimoy (yes, the son of Leonard Nimoy) and Simon Tolkien (yes, the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien and an accomplished author in his own right), actress Pamela Ferdin (voice of Lucy Van Pelt from Peanuts).
"I’m a historical fiction writer and a huge fan of libraries, and the Cranbrook Public Library in particular, that has been such an enthusiastic supporter of my books. So I was excited to hear from Mike Selby that July 4 was going to be the 100th anniversary of your opening," said Simon Tolkien, in his video.
"What a journey the library has travelled from such humble beginnings in 1925, housed over the post office with just 95 members, to the thriving institution you are today with a membership of over 10,000."
"This expansion has been made possible by the efforts of generations of dedicated staff, all sharing the core noble mission of making the world of the mind and the imagination accessible to the people of Cranbrook," Tolkein added.
Nathan Litz, an animation director who has been involved with TV productions such as Rick and Morty, grew up in Cranbrook and sent in a video explaining what the library means to him.
"My sister and I used to go there all the time," said Litz. "I remember all the geometric pillows and building forts there and it was such a beautiful sanctuary of learning for us and so many people. I just want to say congratulations for 100 years and thanks so much for all the value you gave to us and all the knowledge we got from those hallowed walls."
B.C. Premier David Eby also gave a shout out to the library.
"Public libraries are more important than ever," said Eby. "In an age of disinformation and misinformation, you promote literacy as well as the critical thinking necessary to separate fact from fiction. And there’s nothing wrong with fiction that’s labelled fiction."
"I want to thank the staff and the supporters of the library for all you do for your community," said Eby. "Once again, congratulations to the Cranbrook Public Library on celebrating 100 years. I hope you have many happy returns and that none of your returns are overdue."
While some weren't able to send along a video, the messages of congratulations and support still came in, from people like legendary fiction crime writer John Grisham — "Tell the Cranbrook Public Library I wish them well (yelled to his agent through a closed door)" — Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games series ("Good wishes and congratulations to the Cranbrook Public Library") and Fabio Lanzoni, Italian actor and model ("Best wishes to the Cranbrook Public Library and congratulations on your historic event").
All videos can be viewed on the Cranbrook Public Library Facebook page.
