In 1894, rural Quebec’s first free public library opened its door. Built and bequeathed to the community by Narcissa Farrand Pettes in memory of her late husband Nathaniel, Pettes Memorial Library was private gift for generations to come. 

Today, Pettes remains free and independent of any institution or government. Operated largely by volunteers, it is funded entirely by grants and donations, making it a "rare bird" in the Quebec library community. 

Still housed in its historic Victorian-era building, it has changed little since 1894. But its mandate has evolved. Today it offers a wide range of collections, split evenly between French and English. It is a digital hub and it actively collaborates with other community organizations to better fulfill the need for information, knowledge, culture, education, literacy and social interaction.