INTRODUCTION

Our community is on the verge of an exciting revitalization, and Pettes Memorial Library is at its heart.

In January 2020, citizens of Town of Brome Lake were invited to a presentation of two major initiatives: the revitalization of Coldbrook Park and the expansion of Pettes Memorial Library. Their response was enthusiastic. 

The social, cultural, educational and economic benefits to the community are clear. These projects will enhance quality of life in Town of Brome Lake, increase activities and services in all sectors, fire up tourism, promote social cohesion, and make one of Canada's most beautiful small towns an even more attractive place to live. 

HISTORY

Rural Quebec's first free public library 

In 1894 Narcissa Farrand Pettes donated Pettes Memorial Library to her community. lt was the first free public library in rural Quebec. Today it remains free and independent. Not owned or operated by any level of government 

or other institution, it is supported financially by the community and administered and operated almost entirely by volunteers. These facts alone make it a 'rare bird' among libraries. Others make it unique in our region. 

• A bilingual resource, its collections and membership are 50/50 French/English.
• Its English-language book collection is the largest outside Montreal, drawing clients from far beyond TBL.
• It serves a vast, sparsely populated area: some 55,000 people across the Brome-Missisquoi region.
  

MANDATE

A growing mandate 

Flanked north and south by Brome County Historical Society and Brome Lake Theatre, Pettes Memorial is one of the community's three cultural pillars. While Narcissa stipulated that books should always be at its core, she clearly intended her donation to serve as a multi-purpose resource, for meetings, lectures, musical and theatrical performances - everything she felt necessary for "the improvement and advancement'' of her fellow citizens. 

Today Pettes Memorial is a library, digital hub, cultural and educational venue and social forum. Demand for its resources is growing, for meeting space, digital literacy workshops, storytelling events, educational lectures, high­tech equipment and advanced technology. And Pettes is forming partnerships with other community groups to dramatically expand its offering, with new programs, activities and events. 

THE PROJECT

An investment in our community

Pettes Memorial Library and Town of Brome Lake are collaborating closely to create beautiful and useful new cultural and social spaces for our community; attract and support tourism, a major engine of our Town's economy; draw people to a rejuvenated village core, supporting local merchants and other businesses; and foster the pride that engenders community spirit. 

A prefeasibility study was conducted by Chevalier Morales, award-winning architects with extensive library experience. The preliminary design shows a one-storey, flat-roofed extension of 322 square meters off the rear of the Library, opening onto Coldbrook Park. Its mainly glass structure and roof-top garden terrace will create a unique and inviting transition between the two. 

THE PLANS

Fulfilling community needs

The new wing will allow Pettes Memorial Library to:

• house its collections, making books now held off-site more available;

• better welcome and serve local schools;

• introduce multi- and inter-generational programs, services to meet the growing demands from an aging population, and modern technology to reach young people and serve all;

• provide space for activities and events, in partnership with community groups such as Yamaska Literacy Council, Knowlton Literary Association, Wellness Volunteer Centre, CIDI community radio, Townshippers' Association, and more;

• respond to growing requests for meeting space for clubs, community groups and organizations;

• safeguard our existing building and introduce upgrades to meet new environmental and accessibility standards;

• provide a physical anchor and focal point for Coldbrook Park;

• augment and complement Coldbrook Park with indoor space for activities and events, with an open reception area and large multi-functional room that will be accessible outside library hours;

• provide facilities that serve Coldbrook Park, such as a tourist information desk and public toilets;

• help the Town of Brome Lake fulfill its cultural policy.

PROJECT CALENDAR

2018 - 2021

PHASE I

Pre-feasibility study; funding applications to government; solicitation for funding from businesses and private individuals; technical studies.

Partly completed 

2021 - 2022

PHASE II

Public fundraising campaign; technical studies; select architects; finalize design; hire project manager. 

To come 

2022

PHASE III

Request bids; select construction contractor; build. 

To come 

Spring 2023

PHASE IV

Purchase and install equipment; inauguration. 

To come 

OUR GOAL

To expand and ensure the future of

Pettes Memorial Library: $5.2 million

Our goal is ambitious but achievable. Already, Town of Brome Lake has contributed S1 million to our expansion project. Early pledges from private and corporate donors exceed $1 million, and application has been made to the Government of Quebec for $1.3 million. It's a good start. But to continue our story and write our next chapter, we need your financial support. We are counting on you. 

Thank you for your support!