Alice Munro Branch

The Huron County Library’s response to inquiries surrounding the potential renaming of the Alice Munro Branch

On July 7, 2024, Alice Munro’s daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner wrote an article in the Toronto Star detailing abuse by her stepfather (Alice Munro’s second husband), Gerald Fremlin. Alice Munro was implicated by her daughter’s statement as Skinner stated that Munro knew about the abuse and failed to provide her with protection.

Since this news was revealed, the Huron County Library has received several inquiries from members of the media and public asking if the Library has any plans to alter the name of the Wingham Branch, which is currently named after Alice Munro.

We fully understand the community’s current interest and concern in this matter, but no decisions are being made at this time. We feel that this is a serious and nuanced situation that will require careful, slow, and thoughtful consideration.

With this in mind, we have committed to continuing to listen without action for a minimum period of six months. All comments and concerns offered during this time will be documented and the resulting documentation will be presented to the Huron County Library Board at their first meeting of the year, in 2025. At that time, the Huron County Library Board will determine if further consultation is required and what, if any, further actions need to be taken.

No decisions will be made without involving:

• The local community
• County of Huron
• Huron County Library Board
• Municipality of North Huron

Regardless of the outcome of this matter, the Huron County Library believes unequivocally that every child has the right to live free from violence, exploitation, and abuse, and should be protected. We firmly support Andrea Skinner’s right to tell her story.

Anyone wishing to submit a comment to the Huron County Library on this matter can do so by emailing libraryadmin@huroncounty.ca.

Thank you,

Beth Rumble, County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services | County of Huron