The first stop on the Florence Orrell Memorial Tour is the Township of St. Joseph Public Library. Named the "House of Books" by Mrs. Florence Orrell, this building is used by many residents and visitors of Richards Landing.
Purchased and donated by Mrs. Florence Orrell in 1942, the public library is integral to the community atmosphere of Richards Landing and the Township of St. Joseph.
Located on the main street of Richards Landing, this building offers the public a space for learning. Whether that be new skills through workshops, about the history of St. Joseph Island, or other places and cultures.
(Crawford, 2000)
A library that teaches the present generation about the past generation. The Township of St. Joseph Public Library offers residents and visitors a variety of continuously updated fiction and non-fiction literature.
The library offers other collectibles such as magazines, puzzles, audio books, and DVD movies that visitors can use on-site or sign out.
Two seating areas allow visitors a space for reading, internet use on personal devices or meeting with others. After hours, these areas are often used for various board meetings for the Township of St. Joseph. Faxing, printing, photocopying, and scanning services are available to the community.
(Stjosephtownship.com, 2020)
There were no shortage of real estate for sale but despite Florence's generosity, some individuals raised their prices when negotiating with the wealthy American.
Determined to provide the residents of St. Joseph Island with a public library, Mrs. Florence Whaley Orrell bought the property from John McPhee in June,1942 for $150 with that vision in mind. Originally owned by the founder of Richards Landing; John Richards in 1890.
The library was built on buff cement blocks with a roofline and polished maple floor that resembles a cottage style. The one-room building is surrounded by British Columbia fir panelling and attached to the ceiling is a tapestry from the Solomon Islands. Made from the inner bark of the Tapa tree and inscribed with natural dyes, this tapestry provides the library with a sense of exoticism. The original door had a woodcarving insert crafted by Mrs. Florence Orrell herself. This door was later replaced by a steel door, but the woodcarving insert remains in the library on display to this day near the card catalogue.
Upon the library's completion, Florence wanted the first book to be what she called "the good book." The family bible that had belonged to Florence's mother – Mary and dates to the late 1700s.
(Crawford, 2000)
Credit: Township of St. Joseph Public Library Collection
Curbside pickup only due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Closed Monday, Friday, and Sunday
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Tuesday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Device Lessons from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm)
Closed on Sunday
Monday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Thursday from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Closed Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
(Stjosephtownship.com, 2020)
| Phone: | 705-246-2353 |
| Email: | sjtlibrary@gmail.com |
| Website: | https://stjosephtownship.com/community/libraries/ |
| Facebook: | @SJTPublicLibrary |
Currently owned by the Township of St. Joseph after Mrs. Florence Orrell sold the building to the Township in November 1942 for $1.
Managed by the Township of St. Joseph Library Board.
(Crawford, 2000)(Stjosephtownship.com, 2020)
Crawford, C. E. (2000). The Island Fairy Godmother: Florence Whaley Orrell. Sarn Farm Press.
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