The second Point of Interest on the Florence Orrell Memorial Tour of Richards Landing, the Children's Library was Florence's first generous and most notable contribution to the residents of Richards Landing and St. Joseph Island. Located on the main street of Richards Landing, this wonderful library plays an important role in the community.

Mrs. Florence Orrell's donation of the Children's Library was greatly appreciated and celebrated by the St. Joseph Island community. for her kindness and vision, Mrs. Florence Orrell was presented with a wooden-carved key to the "Town of Richards Landing."

The Children's Library is one of those special locations that remain consistent with that of memory. Whether you are a resident of St. Joseph Island, a seasonal visitor or just passing through, to truly appreciate the wonderful ambience of the library, a personal visit is a must.

(Crawford, 2000)

Like most places, St. Joseph Island was experiencing economic hardship during the 1930s and 1940s. Most residents of Richards Landing could not afford access to travel, cultural resources or and literature. This inspired Florence to build The Children's Library and bring the world to the St. Joseph Island children.

The Children's Library officially opened June 26, 1935 and has since served as a cultural and social meeting place for both residents and visitors.

The Children's Library offers a unique experience with two large fir paneled rooms warmed by a rustic stone fireplace, a cozy reading room, and an upstairs arts and crafts room. Memorabilia and artifacts from past benefactors line the walls of this historic building.

For many years local and visiting children have enjoyed the experience offered by the Children's Library. Whether it is browsing after school, reading clubs, arts and crafts, educational workshops or the very popular author visits, the library is adored by young and the young at heart.

(Crawford, 2000) (Stjosephtownship.com, 2020)

Florence purchased the property on September 19, 1934 from Annie Cavanagh (previously Annie McPhee). The property had been passed down from John Richards (founder of Richards Landing) through the notable families of St. Joseph Island, the Skeltons, Fremlins, and McPhees before Mrs. Florence Orrell's purchase. Purchased for $250, the property came with a run-down wooden building on it that Florence renovated into the Children's Library seen today.

The Children's Library has been renovated many times over the 20th Century, mainly occurring in 1934, 1935, 1993, 1994, and 1999. Immediately after purchase, the square false façade roof architecture of the original 1934 building was removed to reveal the peak roof seen today. In November, 1934, the front porch was removed, siding was added, and two large windows were installed on the front of the building. Later that year, a sloped addition was added to the back of the building that is now used as the reading room. A new porch and stairs leading down to the street were added as finishing touches in 1934.

Peggy Chapman, President of the Children's Library Board affirms Mrs. Florence Orrell used "the best of the best materials when building the libraries and was often custom made." Similar to the Township of St. Joseph Public Library, fir paneling was ordered for the interior of the building. In 1935, Richards Landing local Emo Burnside created a large, stone fireplace on the south wall in the south wing of the building.

Above the entrance to this southern room a native phrase reads "be-gwud-nah-shene." Recognized as an Ojibway phrase that roughly translated means "come to the place of learning." Inspired by Mrs. Florence Orrell's interest in other cultures, particularly First Nations' people, this phrase reflects her mandate for what the Children's Library should represent to the visitors and the community of Richards Landing.

(Crawford, 2000)

(Credit: Peggy Chapman, Logan Deller)

Currently curbside pickup only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Summer Hours:

Open from July 2nd to August 16th:

Monday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (July only)

Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Closed Sunday

Open from August 16th to August 31st:

Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Closed Monday and Sunday

Winter Hours:

Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (Story time at 10:30 am)

Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Story time at 10:30 am)

Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Story time at 10:30 am)

Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday

(Stjosephtownship.com, 2020)

Florence sold the Children's Library to the Township of St. Joseph on July 4th, 1960 under special circumstances.

The Children's Library is currently managed by the Children's Library Board.

(Crawford, 2000)

Gift shops in Richards Landing sell the story of Mrs. Florence Orrell's life and contributions to St. Joseph Island, The Island Fairy Godmother: Florence Whaley Orrell by Cindy Ellen Crawford. With every purchase of this book $1 dollar is donated to support the Children's Library.

Crawford, C. E. (2000). The Island Fairy Godmother: Florence Whaley Orrell. Sarn Farm Press.