MABOU: A celebratory feeling was in the air last Thursday as the Alexander Doyle Public Library was officially opened.
“Our goal is that the library fosters the cultural life of the area that it serves, and in this part of the world, that means supporting music,” said Laura Emery, chief librarian and Chief Executive Officer at Eastern counties regional library (ECRL).
Emery explained that the library not only includes a vast number of books, but also a state-of-the-art sound studio fitted with the same equipment as the Halifax Central Library. Mitch Poirier, a Grade 11 student from Inverness Academy, provided an overview of the sound system for all those attending.
Indeed, Poirier wasn’t the only musician in attendance. Waycobah’s First Nation Drum Group “We’koqma’qewiskwa” visited and performed.
“This library happened because of a success story of cooperation between the Municipality of the County of Inverness, Eastern counties regional library, the school board, and the community,” said Deputy Warden for Inverness County, Betty Ann MacQuarrie. “It all happened when Laurie Emery came to our council meeting looking for more funding.”
After the request for funding, some questions arose about the level of service in Inverness County. Emery made the assurance that if the municipality gave more funding, it was only right that the county ought to get improved service.
The result of all of that was the Alexander Doyle Public Library, not to mention a mini-branch in Port Hood. The ECRL also has a library located at SAERC in Port Hawkesbury.
“We now have three Eastern counties regional library branches in Inverness County,” MacQuarrie said. “We did a big search and knocked on the school board’s door. The end result was this beautiful library space that’s available for all of Inverness County and all of Nova Scotia.”
Born and raised in Mabou Ridge, Alexander Doyle was known to be a prominent educator and promoter of music. He was a teacher, vice-principal, principal, and the first assistant school board superintendant for Inverness County. He later became the superintendant and served in that role until his 1985 retirement.
Mary Jess MacDonald, vice-chair of the Strait regional school board, was happy to see Doyle’s name live on.
“When Dalbrae Academy officially opened in 2000, this learning space was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Doyle in recognition for his significant contributions to the educational and cultural community of Inverness County,” she said.
“It’s only right that we remember him tonight.”
Family members of the late Alexander Doyle were on hand, as Dr. Ian Doyle and Mrs. Ann Doyle spoke on behalf of the man for whom the facility is named.
“Our dad was a true educator and a community person,” said Dr. Doyle. “He would be truly honoured to have his name continue on this public library. We really appreciate it.”
Dr. Doyle presented two cheques to Thom Oommen, chair of the Alexander Doyle Public Library committee. One was from himself and offered $1,000 to the library, and a second cheque came from former Mabou resident Floyd Murphy who donated $10,000 to the library.
