Explore Orono’s History and Celebrate Orono Library’s Heritage Designation Plaque this May

For immediate release

Explore Orono’s History and Celebrate Orono Library’s Heritage Designation Plaque this May

May 13, 2025—Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) is inviting the community to celebrate Orono Library’s official Heritage Designation. The unveiling of the Heritage Designation Plaque will take place at the Orono Library (127 Church Street, Orono) on Saturday, May 24 at 10am. Members of the CLMA Library Board, the Municipality of Clarington’s Heritage Committee, and Members of Council will be in attendance.

“It’s a wonderful recognition for CLMA, the Municipality, and the community,” states Tenzin Shomar, Library Board Chair. “The Orono Library is a key piece of Orono’s fabric and history. We’ve been working extensively to preserve and maintain the heritage properties that make up CLMA. With the recent accessibility renovations, current residents and future generations can enjoy barrier-free access to their public library and the building’s rich heritage.”

The Municipality of Clarington is responsible for recognizing, protecting, and conserving valuable heritage assets. 127 Church Street, Orono, which serves as the Orono Library, is a fine example of the Italianate architectural styles in Clarington and is identified as a primary resource on the Municipal Cultural Heritage Resources List. The Clarington Heritage Committee and Municipal staff recommended the designation of the property under the Ontario Heritage Act to ensure the future of the significant cultural resources is appropriately conserved and that it continues to be an integral part of Clarington’s history.

The house was built under the ownership of John Waddell, a major employer in Orono. Mr. Waddell founded the Orono Furniture Factory in 1868 and was half-owner of the Orono Cheese Factory. The house came into the ownership of the Township of Clarke Public Library Board in 1969, and housed the Clarke Museum until 1985. The building now serves as the Orono Library.

In addition to celebrating the Orono Library Heritage Designation Plaque on May 24, the community can travel back in time with CLMA’s Orono Walking Tour on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30pm. The tour will explore Orono's downtown and share stories of notable buildings and residents, including the Waddell family house and current Orono Library. Tickets are available at cplma.ca/OronoWalkingTour.

Celebrate Orono and its rich history at the Orono Library (127 Church Street, Orono) by attending the Heritage Designation Plaque ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 10am, or by signing up for the Orono Walking Tour on Wednesday, May 28, 6:30pm.

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Contact:
Samantha Aitken
Manager, Marketing & Community Engagement
Clarington Library, Museums & Archives
saitken@cplma.ca