The Fernie Heritage Library in Fernie, British Columbia, in Canada has a long, drawn out history. The idea of putting together a library was first considered by the ladies of the town well back in 1899. The reading room that they requested was put together in a room in the Farquharson Hall. Visitors to the reading room were able to sit and read magazines, write letters and read the papers. Within a matter of months, the reading room was loaning books out. The Crowsnest Pass Coal Company footed the bill for all expenses in getting the reading room underway.
Later, the library would move to two rooms located above the post office. This happened in 1952. Grants were raised at $300 a year from the Public Library Commission and the money was matched by the City of Fernie. Volunteers worked at the library for six hours per week. At that time, it had over 3200 books and there was no membership fee.
By 1958, the library had 10,000 books. Although the library served well the people of the area, it was necessary for a full restoration to take place by 1999. At that time, the library changed names to the Fernie Heritage Library as the restoration process began. The restoration funding was done through donations from those in the community and the story of the library is still unfolding today.
Visitors to the library are welcomed to stop by and learn about what the library looks like. Visitors are available at any open hours, which change seasonally.
