This summer, make the Huron County Library your destination for discovery, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re looking to keep young minds engaged, explore new hobbies, or simply spend time together, the library offers a season full of free activities, great books, and memorable experiences. 

Join the Club: There is still time to join the TD Summer Reading Club! This exciting and educational program is free to readers aged 4-12 and runs in-person at all 12 Huron County Library branches from June 29-Aug. 21.  While some locations are currently full, please still register if you would like to be added to the waitlist.

Stay cool: Beat the heat by borrowing a pool pass for Seaforth, Exeter, Kirkton-Woodham, and Brussels, Morris & Grey pools. During extreme heat events, drop into any one of our 12 branches during open hours to cool down and enjoy all the library has to offer.

Visit a Museum: Did you know you can visit the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol for free when you show your Huron County Library card? If you have family or friends visiting from outside of Huron County, you can borrow a Family Pass so they can join you on your visit. Or take a day trip to the Royal Ontario Museum or London Children’s Museum.

Get outdoors: There are no shortage of parks, trails, and beaches in Huron County to unplug and explore this summer. Borrow an Ontario Parks day pass to visit more than 100 provincial parks. Stay closer to home by checking out a day pass to Falls Reserve Conservation Area. Or explore what’s in your own backyard by borrowing a telescope or bird watching kit.

Try something new: There are no shortage of activities taking place in our branches this summer. Join a LEGO challenge, meet your friends to watch soccer together, get creative through a variety of art and craft programs, and so much more! 

Read: Or you could just borrow a book and enjoy a quiet moment reading. Get started by browsing our online catalogue or check out what library staff are reading this summer.

Next up in our library history series, let’s take a little jaunt over to Clinton. The first library in Clinton was again a Mechanics’ Institute and it was housed in the Town Hall in 1872. Just seven years later, in 1879, the Town Hall burned, taking the Mechanics’ Institute along with it. The fire destroyed all library records and nearly all the books. It was undoubtedly a sad day for both the Clinton community and librarianship.

But it would take more than a fire to keep the Clinton Mechanics’ Institute down. Shortly afterwards, the Institute reopened with temporary accommodation in the Victoria buildings. The librarian at the time, a certain Mr. James Scott, was not only the librarian – he also taught night classes at the library. Seems like a good use of the space.

A couple years later, in 1887, all residents of Clinton were granted free admission to the library and the reading room, but were not permitted to take any books home. Imagine that – a library where you couldn’t borrow any books! If we told someone that today, they probably wouldn’t understand what was happening.

Just a few years after this, an interesting and quite unique story proceeded to unfold. In 1890, Mr. James Staveley, a Clinton resident, passed away. Mr. Staveley was a well-to-do landowner and businessman, and he left no heirs. He willed his estate to a relative who had, unbeknownst to Mr. Staveley, died before him, and so the estate passed to this relative’s heirs in the United States. But apparently this didn’t sit well with some movers-and-shakers of the day, and these 19^th century influencers decided that non-residents should not be entitled to Mr. Staveley’s windfall. So, in their wisdom, they petitioned the provincial government to overturn the will. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard of something like this happening. They suggested that the inheritance should go to the Town of Clinton, and that the funds could go towards erecting a public hall for the use of the town.

It’s a long story, and a bit too complicated for our purposes to go into all the details, but in the end, the Staveley Hall, which housed the library, was built with Staveley’s funds and opened in 1900. This created an unusual situation when Andrew Carnegie showed up shortly after this with possible grants for libraries to be built in Huron County. Carnegie wanted to gift a library to towns that did not already have one, and might not get one. Carnegie and his employees felt that towns and villages that didn’t already have a library were more deserving or were in more desperate need, and so those communities were chosen to be given grants.

This was true of all communities that received a Carnegie grant across Ontario, except one – Clinton. With the Staveley Hall library building so recently completed, the Town decided to ask for the grant money in order to build an addition. The request was granted, and Clinton became the only Ontario community with a Carnegie grant that went towards an addition to an existing building.

Since the Clinton Library is still housed in this building today, anyone can go and see this. If you do go, the original Staveley building is the two-story part of the building to the north, and the Carnegie addition is the one-story portion to the south.

In 1978, the library was designated as a heritage building by Clinton council, which immediately protected the building from demolition and any major changes that might damage its architectural features or historical significance. This designation may have saved it.

Just a few years later, in the summer of 1981, this headline was on the front page of the July 30 issue of the Clinton News Record – ”Library may be sinking”. According to the article, “Clinton’s stately library … is presently under examination and a feasibility study may be conducted to determine how structurally sound the building actually is.” The article also mentions that “… (it’s) said to be sinking and rumoured to be sitting on a bed of quick sand” and “suspicion shows that the library foundation may be sinking, seen from the noticeable lean on the basement floor.”

Well, that was quite the rumour! Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think it proved to be a true one.

In addition to the foundation needing to be checked out, by 1981, the second floor was approaching 20 years since it had been abandoned, and so had fallen into disrepair. At that point, it was being used for storage and occasionally as a meeting space.

Here’s one reporter’s description.

“A climb up the once elegant old winding staircase leads to the second story of the Clinton library building. Although run down and dirty, the seldom used room is still architecturally intriguing with its large windows and deep woodwork.”

Just to pile on, some parts of the roof were in need of repair. Needless to say, seems like the old building needed some attention!

Once the evaluation was completed, in 1982, it was announced that the library was no longer structurally sound. As a result, library operations were shifted to the empty former Pro Hardware store on Albert Street. Staff and volunteers took on the huge task of transferring equipment, furniture, and 21,000 books to the temporary location. I wonder if they made a human train and passed the books down the street from one person to the next!

The municipal council at the time agreed to renovate the existing structure. The second floor was included in the renovations and was transformed into “a bright children’s library, complete with a story room”, which remains largely the same to this day. Other work included refurbishing the original stained-glass windows, replacing glass where needed, restoring the original oak circulation desk, replacing furniture, and retaining the tin ceiling. In other words, sounds like everything that needed attention, got it.

About two years later, in March 1984, it was reported that the library would be closed so everything could be moved from the hardware store back to the newly renovated library. It took library workers and volunteers 2 weeks to pack up hundreds of boxes of books and transport them, along with the equipment and some furniture, back to the Staveley building. 

Just a couple months later in May, there was an afternoon open house to showcase the newly renovated space. More than 125 people took in a completely transformed library, most of whom were no doubt impressed by the changes. 

More recently, the Clinton Library has seen a major overhaul in its layout with a new front desk and new shelving on the main floor. And in 2025, a lift was added to make the second floor fully accessible for the first time ever!

About two years later, in March 1984, it was reported that the library would be closed so everything could be moved from the hardware store back to the newly renovated library. It took library workers and volunteers 2 weeks to pack up hundreds of boxes of books and transport them, along with the equipment and some furniture, back to the Staveley building. 

Just a couple months later in May, there was an afternoon open house to showcase the newly renovated space. More than 125 people took in a completely transformed library, most of whom were no doubt impressed by the changes. 

More recently, the Clinton Branch has seen a major overhaul in its layout with a new front desk and new shelving on the main floor. And in 2025, a lift was added to make the second floor fully accessible for the first time ever!

The June is Pride month and this year Huron County Library is highlighting some great books that celebrate the history of Pride. Feel free to place a hold on these titles or check out this list of even more books about Pride history and activism.

Non-fiction: Out North: an archive of queer activism and kinship in Canada edited by Craig Jennex and Nisha Eswaran

The ArQuives, the largest independent LGBTQ2+ archive in the world, is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the stories and histories of LGBTQ2+ people in Canada. Since 1973, volunteers have amassed a vast collection of important artifacts that speak to personal experiences and significant historical moments for Canadian queer communities. Out North: An Archive of Queer Activism and Kinship in Canada is a fascinating exploration and examination of one nation’s queer history and activism, and Canada’s definitive visual guide to LGBTQ2+ movements, struggles, and achievements.

Place a hold online…

Memoir: Supergay by Frankie Grande

An honest, gripping, and vulnerable memoir from Frankie Grande that connects his personal journey with the classic tropes of a superhero comic, reframing his traumas as origin stories and his deepest, darkest secrets as superpowers strong enough to change the world. Grande has 3.3 million followers across social media and is the brother of singer and actress Ariana Grande.

Place a hold online…

Young Adult Fiction: Checked Out by Tony Correia

Thirteen-year-old Seth discovers a love for queer teen literature, and he and a new friend set up a Pride display in their middle-school library. But when a conservative classmate checks out all the queer books to keep them out of students’ hands, Seth and his friend decide to take a stand and stage a protest of their own.

Place a hold online…

Young Adult Non-Fiction: Trans History, From Ancient Times to the Present Day a Graphic Novel by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett

An essential introduction to trans history, from ancient times to the present day, in full-color graphic nonfiction format. Deeply researched, highly readable, and featuring a broad range of voices.

Place a hold online…

Juvenile Non-Fiction: Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell

An inspiring history of the LGBTQ+ community enlightens young readers on the true timeline of LGBTQ+ history around the world, the lives of important figures like Harvey Milk, and iconic events like Stonewall.

Place a hold online…

Juvenile Non-Fiction: A Child’s Introduction to Pride: the Inspirational History and Culture of the LGBTQIA+ Community by Sarah Prager

An essential and empowering introduction to the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement throughout history with kid-friendly explanations of important terms.

Place a hold online…

Juvenile Non-Fiction: The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor

A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community that highlights the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world!

Place a hold online…

Picture Book: One Day in June by Tourmaline

A vibrant and joyful picture book that celebrates the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman and activist who played an instrumental role during the Stonewall Riots that lead to PRIDE month.

Place a hold online…

The Huron County Library is celebrating Pride Month by sharing valuable resources, participating in community events, and hosting activities in our branches.

Here is a round-up of what’s happening throughout June:

Huron County Pride Outreach: The Huron County Library is popping up at this year’s Huron County Pride Festival! Find us on the Square in downtown Goderich on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and take in the amazing activities happening throughout the day!

LGBTQ2S+ Resources for young people and their families: Library staff have put together a valuable resource guide to support young people and their families. The guide features links to online resources, books from our collection, local supports, and more.

Book Raffle: The Library is raffling off 10 LGBTQ2S+ books for a variety of ages (picture books, junior fiction, young adult, adult fiction, and adult non-fiction). Find ballots throughout the month of June at all 12 branches or visit us at the Huron Pride Festival.

Film Screening: The Librarians: To celebrate Pride Month, join us Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m., for a FREE screening of this award-winning documentary that highlights librarians fighting to protect intellectual freedom. Where: Huron County Museum, 110 North St., Goderich

Rainbow Storytime with author Chris Paul Rainbows: Join award-winning author Chris Paul Rainbows at the Goderich Branch on Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m., for an inclusive Storytime celebrating identity, diversity, and big feelings.

Author Event: EK Johnston: Join local New York Times bestselling author EK Johnston at the Clinton Branch on Saturday, June 20, 2 p.m., for a discussion of her books that range from hopeful sci-fi to quiet epics, and beyond!

Pride Author Talk: Curtis Campbell: Join Young Adult author Curtis Campell at the Exeter Branch on Wednesday, June 24, 3:30 p.m. for a virtual discussion about his book Lying, Stealing, and Other Ways to Save the Planet.

Pride Poetry Talk with Nathanya Field: Join poet Nathanya Field at the Goderich Branch, Saturday, June 27, 2:30 p.m., as she discusses her collection of poetic monologues based on anonymous queer confessions.

Now it’s time to move on to the South Team’s third and final branch, Hensall. The first library in Hensall was a Mechanics’ Institute established in 1890 under the care of J.C. Stoneman’s jewellery store on the south side of King street. Jeweller’s would make good librarians, right?

Things certainly were different back then. One difference was that only the librarian had access to the shelves. Another was that anyone accepting the position of librarian was also required to supply the rooms with lighting and heat. I’m probably way off, but I’m picturing some sort of bicycle setup that when pedalled, powered up lights and turned the heat on.

In 1897 or 1898, the Hensall Public Library organization was born and took over the assets of the Mechanics’ Institute. Mr. Stoneman continued on as Hensall’s librarian and landlord.

Just a few years later, on August 11th 1900, a disastrous fire destroyed several stores on the south side of King street, including Stoneman’s jewellery store. The books were lost along with all of the early town records. Apparently Mr. Stoneman, who was also the village clerk at the time, had all the town records stored at his store for safe keeping. Fortunately, thanks to the insurance money that was paid out, the buildings were rebuilt and the library was operational the very next year on the same premises with the same librarian.

In 1907, the library stopped charging subscription fees to all taxpayers. Hensall was an innovator! Most other libraries were still taking subscription fees and would continue to charge for many years after, some all the way until 1967 when libraries were reorganized into a county system.

In 1909, the library was moved across the street to another local jeweller’s store, that of Fred C. McDonell, who succeeded Mr. Stoneman as librarian. Apparently the jewellers of Hensall had an eye for library’s back in the day.

Unfortunately, just four years later, in August 1913, tragedy struck once more when this location, along with almost the entire business block on the north side of King street, was destroyed by another fire. The library was bookless, homeless, and in a critical financial situation as they had to borrow $50.00 from a member to pay Mr. McDonell up to date. Before long, the County, provincial government, and village grants, plus insurance benefits, gave the library a working capital of $1,210.72,

Two fires just 13 years apart. The Hensall library sure didn’t have it easy in those early days.

After this second fire, the library temporarily rented quarters in D.W. Foss’s baker’s shop where his daughter Florence served as librarian. As luck would have it, a brand new Town Hall was completed in 1914 with provisions for a library and Reading Room, and by October 1915, the entire library was moved in. At the same time, in 1915, the library decided to adopt the Dewey Decimal system. What a great day that must have been!

Since that fire in 1913, the Hensall Library has had much better luck, as it still remains in the Town Hall to this day. It has had one move within the building since 1913. In 1975, the lower tier of the Town Hall was completely renovated, and as a result of these renovations, the library was relocated to the east side of the building. This new spot enlarged the branch to a size of 15×44 feet. 

However, as the decades passed, this space also proved to be too small. In March of 2001, the Friends of the Hensall Library were granted permission by Hensall Council to proceed with their plans to renovate and expand the branch into the space that had previously been used as council chambers. Thanks to more than 750 hours of volunteer labour from the Friends of the Hensall Library, the Hensall & District Kinsmen, and others, the project was quickly completed and below budget. Later that same year, the library reopened with more than double the space it had had before. What a great example of what can be done when a community gets behind a project and individuals are willing to donate their time and effort to see it through.

Back in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, libraries faced the much more common occurrence of devastating fires, and sometimes, things went wrong. Things certainly went wrong for Hensall library with those two fires. But ever since those difficult, early times, the library has remained a stalwart pillar in the community.

 Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. CVITP volunteers use 9 of our 12 branches as drop-off points for tax returns. To see if you are eligible for this service, check under “eligibility criteria” on this page: About free tax clinics – Canada.ca.

All clinics run at the following branches are by appointment only. Call or email your local clinic volunteer to schedule an appointment:

• Alice Munro Branch, Wingham: Friday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Year-Round
  Fred Vander Sterre, phone: 519-887-9506 or email: fvandersterre@gmail.com
• Bayfield Branch: By Appointment. Year-Round
  Mary Norris, phone: 647-295-8292 or email: mpnorris58@gmail.com
• Blyth Branch: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Year-Round
  Fred Vander Sterre, phone: 519-887-9506 or email:  fvandersterre@gmail.com
• Brussels Branch: Saturday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Year-Round
  Fred Vander Sterre, phone: 519-887-9506 or email:  fvandersterre@gmail.com
• Clinton Branch: Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Year-Round
  Mary Lou McGregor, phone: 519-441-2771 or email: bmmcgregor@tcc.on.ca
• Exeter Branch: By Appointment. Year-Round
  Karen Dickins, phone: 519-870-9131 or email: kdickins00@hotmail.com
• Hensall Branch: Tuesday 3 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Year-Round
  Lynn Leppington, phone: 519-262-2938 or email: lynnleppington@gmail.com
• Seaforth Branch: Monday, Wednesday, 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. Year-Round                                                           Brenda Adams, phone: 519-525-9485 or email: bd.adams@live.com
• Zurich Branch: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Year-Round
  Sally Desjardine, phone: 519-236-4509 or email: sally.desjardine@hotmail.com

Thank you to the Social Research and Planning Council of United Way Perth-Huron for Tax Clinic volunteer coordination.