This release is being shared by the Town on behalf of The Blue Mountains Public Library
The Blue Mountains Public Library (BMPL) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, honouring three decades of community connection through arts, heritage and lifelong learning.
To mark this milestone, the BMPL will host a series of events throughout the fall and winter, exploring themes at the heart of GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archive, Museum) institutions: democracy, intellectual freedom, Truth and Reconciliation, digital literacy, books, and our shared history.
Highlights of the celebrations include the launch of a limited-edition colouring book created by local artist Beverley Smith, Chair of BMPL’s Arts and Culture Council, and the artist behind the beloved Story Tower murals at the L.E. Shore Memorial Library & Gallery. The festivities will culminate in a December soirée featuring special guest Ken Haigh, the very first CEO of L.E. Shore.
The BMPL’s full event schedule will be announced by the end of August. All events will be free and open to the public.
A Community Legacy Since 1995
BMPL’s main branch, the L.E. Shore Memorial Library in Thornbury, officially opened on Saturday, December 2, 1995, at 2:00 p.m. following a historic community effort, led by former Collingwood Township Councillor and Library Board member Peter Moureau. The Shore Foundation contributed $1.5 million, and residents raised an additional $400,000 to furnish the new library with books, equipment and furniture, much of which is still in use today.
The grand opening was a festive community event. Local caterers provided refreshments, Georgian Triangle Apples Limited donated cider, and Jessica’s Book Nook hosted a “Christmas Book Raffle.” Just over a year later, the building received the Ontario Library Building Award at the 1997 Ontario Library Super Conference, affirming its place as a cultural gem in the province.
About the Library
The library was named in honour of Leonard Eldon Shore, a local-born architect and WWII veteran who helped design schools and hospitals throughout the region. After his passing, the Shore Foundation was created to fund a legacy project in his name—one that would enrich the lives of future generations in the Blue Mountains.
Today, BMPL is much more than a library. It is the community’s GLAM institution, incorporating the Craigleith Heritage Depot, museum, art gallery, and archives. Together, these services support creativity, literacy, learning, and cultural preservation across the municipality.
Modernizing for the Future
In 2024, BMPL completed a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study that revealed an outstanding return of $2.54 for every $1 invested, highlighting the critical value the Library, Gallery, Museum, and Archives bring to the community’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.
Building on this success, BMPL’s current priorities are focused on addressing space needs and modernizing its facilities and services to better serve a growing and changing population. From reimagining spaces to ensuring accessibility and digital equity, BMPL is actively planning for the next 30 years of public service.
Looking Ahead
“This celebration is a thank you to everyone who helped make the BMPL what it is today,” said CEO Jennifer Murley. “From our generous donors and passionate volunteers to our artists, partners, and patrons, this anniversary is about the collective spirit that makes The Blue Mountains so special.”
“The Library is such an important part of The Blue Mountains. It has been a hub for learning, gathering and community engagement for thirty years,” said Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “Thank you to the staff, the volunteers, the artists and of course the visitors that have continued to make the Library a vibrant destination for those of all ages and stages of life.”
For more information about upcoming events and the history of the Blue Mountains Public Library, visit www.thebluemountainslibrary.ca, subscribe to the BMPL e-newsletter or contact:
Jennifer Murley
Chief Executive Officer
The Blue Mountains Public Library
(519) 599-3681 ext. 148
