The La Crete Community Library Committee is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing library services and promoting literacy in La Crete, Alberta. Registered under business number 132644089RR0001, the committee operates the La Crete Community Library, a vital public amenity serving the community.

History and Development

Library services in La Crete have been available since at least 1962, initiated largely through the efforts of Mrs. Martha Nafziger, who played a key role in establishing the original library[5]. Initially, the library was located in a small building near La Crete Public School. From 1967 to 2015, it was housed within the public school itself, sharing space with the school's library and fostering a strong partnership with the Fort Vermilion School Division[5].

During the extensive renovations of La Crete Public School in the early 2000s, the library was temporarily moved to a small portable building before returning to the renovated school premises in 2002[5].

Transition to a Standalone Facility

A significant milestone came in 2015 when the La Crete Library Society collaborated with the Mackenzie County Library Board, Mackenzie County, and the Alberta Treasury Branch to realize the vision of having a dedicated standalone library facility for the community[5]. The Alberta Treasury Branch constructed a new facility, while the original library branch building was sold to Mackenzie County for $1 to be repurposed as the new library location[5].

The La Crete Library Society undertook the challenge of converting the former bank building, notable for its original bank vault, into a modern library space. This involved extensive fundraising, grant applications, planning, and renovation efforts[5]. The revitalized La Crete Library officially opened on October 4, 2016, providing an enhanced environment for community learning and engagement[5].

Services and Community Engagement

The La Crete Community Library Committee operates the library to offer in-house and online services for over 35 hours per week, including diverse programming developed through community partnerships[5]. Membership fees vary, with family memberships and individual rates, and special provisions for seniors[2]. The library also organizes community events such as the Annual Salmon Grill and Silent Auction, fostering local involvement and support[2].

Organizational Status

The La Crete Community Library Committee is designated as a charitable organization registered in Canada, categorized under "Other Purposes Beneficial to the Community" with a focus on public amenities[1]. It operates as a nonprofit entity committed to enriching the La Crete area through access to library resources and educational programming.

This organization stands as an example of community-driven efforts to sustain and enhance public library services in rural Alberta, reflecting collaboration between local societies, municipal authorities, and provincial partners.