The Blairmore library had its humble beginning on April 27, 1931. Funding was secured from the town of Blairmore and various organizations. West Canadian Collieries provided an old office building in south Blairmore. They contributed the coal required to heat the library and the town supplied electricity. As the years progressed the local Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (B.O.P.E) purchased the former School Manual Training Shop building for the library and it was moved across the tracks to what is now the Senior Citizens Club.

When the town of Blairmore celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 1961, the library officially opened a new extension to its facility, providing more space for the adult books. A budget of three hundred dollars for the purchase of books to fill the additional space was supplemented by donation of books from the public. Volunteers, the heart of the library, filled every position needed, even providing janitorial work. A bake sale was held to raise money for a new heater as the extension of the building left a large crack between the two sections and the cold winter winds left the volunteers shivering. Even with the new heater, heat distribution was poor. There was no running water or washrooms.

When the town of Blairmore built a new town office the library was housed in the downstairs part of the building. The new surroundings were pleasant and warm with running water and bathrooms. However this area soon became too small for the growing library. After several years, the library board applied to the Neighborhood Improvement Program for funding for an extension to the building. After months of discussion and many obstacles, the Blairmore Town Council agreed to fund a new library building. A Neighborhood Improvement Program committee was formed.

On October 24, 1979 the groundbreaking ceremony was held to the joy and delight of the N.I.P. committee and Library Board. The dream was fully realized on May 14, 1980 when the building was completed and Ed Flak handed the keys to Mary Price. A group of volunteers began setting up shelving and shelving the books. The official opening for the public was held May 25, 1980. The residents of Blairmore and the Crowsnest Pass could now enjoy a new and distinctive library, one of which they could be proud. A formal opening was held on August 9, 1980.

In 1983 the Blairmore Library renovated the basement for use as an art gallery and workroom. From 1985 to 1990 the Allied Art Association used this space. When space was required to house the children's library, the gallery moved to its present site in Frank.

For most of the years of library operations, the librarian was a volunteer. One of those volunteers was Mary Price. In 1987, Mary Price became a part-time employee and in 1990 when it was decided to extend public library hours, Mary was hired full time. Membership continued to grow and the needs of library patrons were changing. The board was anxious to provide services comparable to other Alberta town libraries. In 1990, the Chinook Arch Regional Library System approached council with the offer of greater library services which would provide for improved access to books, materials and information. They were refused. In 1999 the council was again approached but refused. Not to be defeated, a very few dedicated members of the community and library patrons presented a petition of names asking council to reconsider their motion. On May 11, 1999, council unanimously voted to join the C.A.R.L.S. and on July 1, 1999 the library became a member. The benefits to the reader, students, and the community as a whole will be evident as our library services can now be considered comparable to other libraries in the province.

Our community deserved to have this dream of a top-notch library come true and thanks to many people, who over the years dedicated their time and talents, we have a library of which we can be proud. In 1995 Mary Price retired. The present librarian Judy Bradley, continues the tradition of quality and excellence in library services. As well, all the many volunteers who continue to keep the library running smoothly have the community's warmest appreciation and gratitude. It was a struggle to build the exceptional library we now enjoy, but with firm dedication to the vision, the dream is a reality!

(Excerpt from an article by Mary Price)