Fonds MLB - Milo Library fonds

Milo Municipal Library was established in 1981, with the support of the Village of Milo, Vulcan County and the Government of Alberta. Operating under the provisions and requirements of the Alberta Libraries Act, the library leased space from Milo School, and a committed group of volunteers began collecting, organizing and cataloguing book donations from other libraries, schools and local residents. Many local organizations, Milo Lions Club in particular, were instrumental in the establishment of Milo Library, and continued to provide ongoing support for its various activities and projects.

When librarian June Beckner signed out the first book to Anne Zaytsoff in March 1983, there were just over 3000 items available for loan. The Grand Opening was held on October 15, 1983, and almost 50% of the town’s population were library members. In 1992 the library became part of the Chinook Arch Regional Library System. A computerized circulation system was adopted in 1996, the same year that saw the formation of “Friends of the Milo Municipal Library Society”, the fundraising arm of the organization, commonly referred to as the “Friends”.

By October 2004, the library had outgrown its space. With the strong support of individuals and businesses throughout the community, some $400,000 was raised toward the construction of a new library building. Plans were drawn up after extensive consultation with all stakeholders, and construction began in 2006. Volunteer and donated labour and materials contributed extensively to the interior finishings of the building, and community youth loaded and unloaded books for the move. The newly-named Milo Library opened to the public in November 2007, with the Grand Opening event held in June 2008.

Milo Library has over 15,500 items available for loan to its members. The building features a reading room with fireplace, meeting room, wireless high-speed internet access and teleconferencing facilities, and houses the Milo Library Archives.