Looking back at 50 years of Stittsville library community links
Serving Stittsville’s growing community, the branch has launched various initiatives to assist newcomers, including language groups and employment support services.
The Stittsville branch of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special event on November 23.
Located at 1637 Stittsville Main St., this branch, the 15th of OPL’s 33 locations, originally opened in 1973 within Stittsville Public School before relocating in 1974 to its current spot at the village municipal office.
The festivities will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a themed story session for children, followed by family-friendly activities such as face painting, button-making, puppet theater, and games later in the morning.
Special addresses will be given by Matt Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board, and OPL Chief Librarian and CEO Sonia Bebbington. Attendees can also enjoy cake and refreshments.
The celebration will culminate with a Rock the Arts Puppet Show titled Superhero Showdown, an all-ages event.
Beyond commemorating five decades, the anniversary highlights the library's impact on the community. In 2018, the branch introduced a hydroponic grow tower, donating over 23 kilograms of fresh produce to the Stittsville Food Bank over the past six years.
The branch has also fostered local creativity through the Stittsville Creative Writing Group, which has collectively authored more than 100 books over the past decade.
Serving Stittsville’s growing community, the branch has launched various initiatives to assist newcomers, including language groups and employment support services.
“This branch stays relevant in its community by collaborating with local partners and offering programs that adapt to changing demographics,” noted Gemini Cheng, the supervising librarian, in a statement to CityNews.
Additionally, the branch pioneered OPL’s Memory Café, a program designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, which has since expanded to other branches across the city.
Local volunteer known as ‘Uncle Wally’ praised the branch, remarking on its enduring positive impact on the community.
