Our Library History

1961-1968: Highway 16 and King St.

• 1961: By the end of its first year of operation, the library boasted a collection of 750 items, a membership of 213 patrons, was open four hours a week, and circulated items from its modest collection 2201 times.

1968-1972: First St.
1972-1974: Basement of the Yellowhead Regional Library
1974-1981: Town Administration Building on King St. 5th.

• Fall 1974: The Library hired its first fulltime Librarian, Marie Matiaszow
• 1975: City Council passes a by-law making the library a municipal responsibility and the Spruce Grove Community Library became the Spruce Grove Public Library
• Collection of 7860 Items, a membership of 1588 patrons, and circulation stats of 21,457
• 1977: Audio-Visual Collection of phonograph records and 16mm films.

1981-1991: Basement of the Shenfield Center

• Early 1980’s: Introduction of Videocassettes and books on tape.
• Spring 1990: Spruce Grove Library introduced its first automated catalogue. Gone were the card catalogues and rubber stamps. In their place were computer terminals, barcodes, and light wands!
• 1990: Incorporation of the Friends of the Spruce Grove Library. A community group that organizes fundraisers, book sales, and other events to highlight the library in the community.

1991-2007: King Street Mall

• Mid 1990’s: Dial Up Internet Connection available at the library.
• 1999: The Spruce Grove Public Library joined The Alberta Library (TAL) community.
• 2003: Membership base of over 6000 patrons, collection of 50,000 items. In 2003 we circulated over 210,000 items and processed over 30,000interlibrary loan requests.

2007-Present: Melcor Cultural Centre

• 2011: The Spruce Grove Public Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary year! In 2010 we circulated over 310,000 items and had over 8,000 registered patrons.