Evelyn Gregory was the chief librarian of York Township Public Library from its inception in 1945 to 1969. [1]
During her time with the library, she ran the main branch located on Eglinton Avenue, oversaw four additional branches, and started a bookmobile to support the borough. [2] [3] Her leadership was lauded, with local press noting that the bookmobile had an annual circulation in 1950 of 60,000. [3] In 1959, Gregory reported to a Toronto Daily Star reporter that the library had four copies of Lolita , available upon request, and had no plans to remove it from circulation, although many local library systems had refused to carry the novel. [4]
Gregory was actively involved in the Ontario Library Association, serving as an officer in 1964 and as vice president in 1966. [5] [6]
Gregory was most likely a graduate of Trinity College from the 1920s as she was an active member of the St. Hilda's College Alumna association, hosting community events and fundraising in the 1930s. [7] [8] [9] [10] She also served as a councilor for the organization in 1929. [11] She was involved in the founding of The Terrace, a residence for "business and professional women" run by the Sisters of St. John, located on Brunswick Avenue. [12]
On February 18, 1968, a new library branch was opened in York Borough which was named in honour of Gregory. [1] [13] [14] She retired as chief librarian in 1969. [2]