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While many libraries that are inserted in established neighborhoods appear imposing, regulated, often austere, the WVML is regarded as a comfortable, friendly room in an extended home that welcomes visitors of all ages. This is an attitude that evolved easily and naturally. The community and the library just grew up together, step by lengthening step. In "Fulfilling a Dream," Sally Carswell follows the historic trails, tracing two overlapping growth stories. She arrives at the present, as a modern neighbourhood of well-read people and an expanding library, endowed almost solely by its neighbours, move ahead together. (Taken from the Introduction, by Denny Boyd) In the Beginning The District of West Vancouver was incorporated on March 15th, 1912 (three days after the W.V. Police Department was established). In the early years it was a quiet isolated community, and the only access to the City of Vancouver at that time was by water via the West Van Ferry Service. There was a real community spirit among those early settlers and they enjoyed their lifestyle, which was enhanced by West Van's beauty and natural recreational facilities - beaches to enjoy in summer and nearby mountains for hiking and skiing in winter. Cultural pursuits were not neglected - a Dramatic Society was established as early as 1913 and made an ongoing contribution to the entertainment scene in West Van. There was also a Musicians' Club which entertained frequently at churches already established in the Municipality and there was a very popular male quartet. So, if West Vancouverites felt cut off from the night life of Vancouver City, they provided their own entertainment. But what the community did lack was the availability of reading material. The Early Years As early as 1919, Mrs. Effie Field was advertising a small circulating library (50 cents deposit) in her dry goods and children's clothing store at 14th Street and Bellevue Avenue. This was well patronized; also some West Vancouverites made a regular trip across the water to the Vancouver Public Library, but all dreamed of the day when West Vancouver would have its own well-stocked public library. (To be continued)