The Prince George Public Library (PGPL) is the public library system for the city of Prince George, British Columbia. Between its two branches, the Prince George Public Library offers the public access to a collection of over 171,529 items. History The first borrowing library in Prince George was established at the First Presbyterian Church. Membership cost $1 per year, and nearly 200 books were available by September 1912. A City library was first opened on May 12, 1920. The library initially contained 500 books from Vancouver's Carnegie Library and 600 books loaned by the Dominion government. The library was open to the public on Wednesday afternoons. In January 1923, the library moved to the back of W.J. Pitman's music and piano store on Third Avenue. Access to the library was possible during business hours. In 1936, the Prince George Public Library Commission was formed, and the collection was moved into a room next to the Fire Hall in the Ritts-Kifer building on George Street. Books could be borrowed three afternoons each week. In March 1949, the City of Prince George provided space for the library to expand into a former army building at 425 Brunswick Street. A plebiscite on June 18, 1955 resulted in the library attaining professional status, and the Commission became the Prince George Library Board. The City of Prince George passed Bylaw 801 to establish the Municipal Public Library on June 20, 1955. The first professional librarian, Mr. C.W. (Bill) Fraser) was appointed. At the time, the library had 6,800 books, a budget of $1,400 and a part time staff of three. The library became part of the North Central Associated Libraries system. In 1960, City council commissioned a new 6,100 square foot library building, designed by architect Trelle Morrow. The new building was completed next to the old army facility. The connecting door was breached and the library collection was wheeled over the threshold to the new premises. The new library officially opened on September 6, 1961. In 1962, Anne Scott was appointed librarian. By this time, there were two additional full time staff and six part time assistants. Magazines, paperback books and story hours were introduced In 1975, the Nechako Library became a branch of the Prince George Library when the Hart neighbourhood amalgamated with the City of Prince George. Bob Harkins Branch The downtown library remained at 425 Brunswick Street until it moved to