About the Library
Learn about our staff, board, and getting involved
Donate to the Library
Your donation can sponsor books or other materials for our collection (or ecollections), support programs or services, or help with our operating expenses.
Find out what’s been happening at the Library – and about our plans!
Library Reports are available in alternate formats on request.
The Library is administered by the Village of Merrickville-Wolford through a Library Board.
The Library is staffed by:
- Mary Kate Laphen, CEO
- Linda Purvis-Carriveau
They are assisted by volunteer help.
The Merrickville-Wolford Public Library Board is made up of 6 members appointed by the Municipal Council: 5 from Merrickville-Wolford (including one Council member) and 1 from Montague Township.
The library board meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend library board meetings.
What does the Library board do?
The Public Libraries Act, a provincial statute, designates library boards as governing boards. As such, library boards perform many functions, including the following tasks:
- determine library services
- advocate on behalf of the library
- overseeing the library’s finances
- seek funds through the Municipal Council’s budget and through other funding opportunities
- appoint and oversee the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The “Friends of the Library” are volunteers who donate their time and efforts to promote and fundraise for the Library.
The Friends support Library activities and raise funds through activities such as plant sales and book sales. New members are always welcome.
Want to join the Friends of the Library? Contact the Library »
The Library uses volunteers to shelve books, prepare new books for circulation, to perform other tasks around the library and for special programming.
Are you interested in volunteering in the library or running a program? Contact us »
Our History
The Merrickville Public Library has a history going back over 150 years!
It began as the “Mirickville Mechanics Institute and Library Association” in 1856. The Village was incorporated in 1860 as “Merrickville”. The fledgling Library occupied several locations over the years including St. Lawrence St., the Jakes Block and the Post Office.
From 1938-2008, the library was located in the former Pearson home at 111 Main St. E. The building was built and owned by William Pearson, co-owner of the Pearson-Magee Foundry.
In 1938, his daughter, Mary Pearson bequeathed the building to the Village of Merrickville for use as a Library and Municipal Office.
In 1984, the Village Municipal Offices moved to their present location and the Library then occupied the entire building.
In 2007, Merrickville Public Library celebrated 150 years of service in the community. This same year, the Merrickville Lions Club purchased our current building to donate to the municipality as a new home for the library. It had been built in 1996 to house the Canadian Recreational Canoe Association.
The library opened in its new location on June 7, 2008. And our story continues…
Contact Us
- 446 Main St. West • P.O. Box 460 Merrickville, ON • K0G 1N0
- 613-269-3326
- merrickville_library@bellnet.ca