C.M. Shields Centennial Branch (South Porcupine)

In 1912, Sylvester Kennedy, an unschooled businessman, built South Porcupine's first school. By 1919, the growing student population led to the construction of a new school on Golden Avenue, which later inspired the establishment of a library. In 1924, the Porcupine-Dome Public Library opened, initiated by Rev. McVitty, offering a limited selection of books. The library moved several times, expanding over the years, until it found a more permanent home in the top floor of the new Tisdale Township Municipal building in 1938, overseen by librarian Mrs. Marion Pryor.

Charles M. Shields became Reeve of Tisdale Township in 1957, holding the position until 1970. Prior to Canada’s Centennial year, government funds were made available to municipalities for major projects, and the Tisdale Township Council’s request for funding toward a more accessible facility was approved.   

In 1967, the C.M. Shields Centennial Library opened at its current location on 99 Bloor Avenue, becoming part of the Timmins Public Library system, where it continues serves its local community today.