Ross Memorial Library: A 200-Year Tradition of Community Connection

The Ross Memorial Library in St. Andrews is enhancing its role as a central hub for the local community with a broad range of services and programs. Kirsten Clark, a board member, and Leslie Parham, a library assistant, recently shared insights into the library's extensive offerings on the "Fundy Tidings" show hosted by Jay Remer on CHCO-TV.

"The library, in one form or another, has been part of St. Andrews for about 200 years," Kirsten Clark explained. "In its current form, it became a permanent place because of a bequest from Henry and Sarah Ross." The library has since become integrated into the provincial system, providing access to a wide array of resources. "We have access to all of the resources of the provincial library system, both online and their print collections," Clark continued.

One of the standout features of the library is its inter-library loan system, which allows patrons to borrow books from other libraries if a desired title is not available locally. "It really expands things," Remer noted, to which Clark agreed, "It's basically a resource for absolutely everybody of all ages."

Beyond traditional library services, the Ross Memorial Library offers a variety of unique programs. One notable initiative is the Memoir Writing Project, titled "My Life in Ten Pictures." Leslie Parham described the program as "memoir writing for non-writers," aiming to help people craft their stories through visual prompts. "It's a really lovely idea of helping people to craft their story through using pictures as prompts," Parham said. Scheduled to start in January 2025, the project is a collaboration with the Fundy Community Foundation and the local high school.

The library also hosts a successful Adult Book Club, which Parham finds particularly engaging. "What's been amazing to me is people come prepared with notes," she said. The club is open to all, accommodating both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. "It's a really flexible space, but it's been a lot of fun to lead," Parham added.

In addition to literary programs, the library provides essential services like printing, photocopying, and faxing, which are particularly valuable for newcomers and older adults. "The library really is a community hub," Parham emphasized. "It breaks down a lot of those barriers that people have to access things that are only available online."

The library's Speaker Series has also gained traction, featuring talks on diverse subjects such as powers of attorney and home mushroom cultivation. "We try to partner with community members who have an area of expertise," Parham explained. The series aims to offer something for everyone, with events scheduled every other month.

For the younger members of the community, the library offers a variety of children's programs. "There is a preschool programme that's offered on Wednesdays at 10:30," Clark mentioned. This program includes singing, crafts, and stories in both French and English. The library also collaborates with Vincent Massey Elementary School for a youth book club and runs a Summer Reading Club.

One of the library's more unique services is its object lending program. "You can borrow things from the library as well as borrowing books," Clark said. Items available for loan include snowshoes, a metal detector, and even a ukulele. "We're open to new ideas for things that people might want to borrow," Clark added.

The Ross Memorial Library continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the needs of St. Andrews' residents. "There's almost always something going on at the library," Parham concluded. With its wide range of programs and resources, the library remains a vital part of the community, offering opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment.