Since June 2023, we have had the privilege of restoring and caring for the historic Carnegie Library at 12 Main Street North. What was once a vacant building has been brought back to life as a welcoming space for gatherings, celebrations, and shared moments.

This restoration has been a fully self-funded effort, driven by a deep respect for the building’s history and a desire to see it once again serve the community. We are truly grateful to those who have supported us—whether by hosting an event, attending a gathering, or simply offering kind words and encouragement. It means more than you know.

Our goal has always been simple: to preserve this special building and provide a place where people can come together—to celebrate, connect, and create new memories within a piece of Forest’s history.

As we look ahead, we see this space continuing to grow as both a community gathering place and a small but meaningful part of the region’s cultural and tourism landscape.

And we would love to hear from you. What would you like to see here?

Are there events, activities, or opportunities you feel would benefit the community? Whether it’s card nights, music, small markets, social gatherings, or something entirely new—we are open to your ideas.

This space belongs to the spirit of the community, and your input will help shape its future. If you have thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to reach out:

kate@fclec.com /cell 602 481-5577 or Lisa Reaume / cell 519 503-2928

Thank you again for being part of the continued story Carnegie. We are looking for your feedback.

Sent Warmly, from Kate, Stephen Ward and Lisa Reaume

Forest Carnegie Library (Old Library) 12 Main St. N, Forest

FCLEC | Private Executive & Advisory Venue

Step away from the office and into a professional setting designed for focus, collaboration, and results. Housed in a restored 1912 library in downtown Forest, FCLEC offers a distinguished, distraction-free environment where confidential meetings, strategic planning, and high-stakes discussions can take place with complete discretion.

Trusted by corporate leaders, HR teams, financial advisors, and legal professionals, FCLEC is ideal for:

• Executive and board-level planning
• Performance reviews and sensitive employee discussions
• Leadership coaching and team development
• Client consultations requiring discretion
• Strategic financial or legal advisory sessions

Amenities & Features:

• Projection-ready PC with Bluetooth and high-speed internet
• Multiple professional environments for formal or collaborative sessions
• Kitchen facilities and optional coordinated food service
• Absolute privacy and a professional, outcome-driven atmosphere
• Support for multi-day sessions with nearby Airbnb accommodations

Centrally located with easy access from Toronto, London, and Lambton Shores, FCLEC provides an accessible, character-rich environment—an affordable, professional alternative to casual off-site options. Here, teams and advisors can focus, communicate, and execute with clarity.

When confidentiality and outcomes matter, FCLEC provides the environment to deliver both.

Contact us to schedule your session.

The team here at Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre, FCLEC, we are thankful for your support last Sat, Sept 28th, for the Lambton County Doors Open Event. It was wonderful that so many of you were able to participate in this event. There were many wonderful sites throughout our area, so visit and re-introduce yourself to our local history.

Lisa as seen above, always has her beautiful smile and she was thrilled to meet with so many of our members. She had pink lemonade, tea's and coffee, cookies, while the music playing was a special collection of only Canadian vocalists and the visual gallery showed beautiful artwork, photos and paintings from our local artists. Please know that all the artist's work is available for purchase. see https://facebook.com/forestcarnegielibrary/ - there I have posted the Forest Art Work MP4 so you can see all the artwork that was submitted.

As we approach the holidays, I ask that you pass along the FCLEC information and encourage your friends and family to engage with our centre as your favourite place to gather....Blessings

Stephen and Kate Ward and Lisa Reaume

FCLEC | Private Executive & Advisory Venue

Step away from the office and into a professional setting designed for focus, collaboration, and results. Housed in a restored 1912 library in downtown Forest, FCLEC offers a distinguished, distraction-free environment where confidential meetings, strategic planning, and high-stakes discussions can take place with complete discretion.

Trusted by corporate leaders, HR teams, financial advisors, and legal professionals, FCLEC is ideal for:

• Executive and board-level planning
• Performance reviews and sensitive employee discussions
• Leadership coaching and team development
• Client consultations requiring discretion
• Strategic financial or legal advisory sessions

Amenities & Features:

• Projection-ready PC with Bluetooth and high-speed internet
• Multiple professional environments for formal or collaborative sessions
• Kitchen facilities and optional coordinated food service
• Absolute privacy and a professional, outcome-driven atmosphere
• Support for multi-day sessions with nearby Airbnb accommodations

Centrally located with easy access from Toronto, London, and Lambton Shores, FCLEC provides an accessible, character-rich environment—an affordable, professional alternative to casual off-site options. Here, teams and advisors can focus, communicate, and execute with clarity.

When confidentiality and outcomes matter, FCLEC provides the environment to deliver both.

Contact us to schedule your session.

Bookings@fclec.com or Lisa 519 503 2928

Built in 1912 as part of the Andrew Carnegie Library program, this charming building spent much of its history overshadowed by the now-demolished City Hall, as shown in the photos below. Today, sunlight streams through its massive windows, illuminating the beautiful red brickwork that supports a lofty east facing portico and grand decorative columns atop the three-sided staircase.

The front pillar proudly displays the Historical Recognition plaque awarded in 1986 by the Ministry of Culture and Communications and the Forest LAGAC committee. This honor is a testament to the dedication of Forest businessman Victor Alderson, whose efforts ensured the building's storied past continues to be celebrated.

WA Mahoney, the architect, and Charles McCordic, the building contractor, collaborated to craft this building in the Neoclassical style, inspired by Roman Palladian architecture. Characterized by its stately and grand appearance, the design is symmetrical, with each side mirroring the other. The structure features columns or pillars that support a shielded entrance known as a portico. Through the large entry door, the staircase leads directly into the open floor area, where ample natural light illuminates the space, which creates an environment conducive to enlightenment and discovery.

Today, although classified as a commercial building, the former Forest Carnegie Library honors its historical roots by serving as a hub of information and collaboration. Here, we offer a variety of experiences aimed at learning and sharing. Whether it’s hosting educational sessions on creating podcasts, facilitating global discussions via the internet, or providing a space for business meetings, cooking preparation, recreational activities, or social gatherings, the Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre is designed to foster learning in all its forms; A Thirst for Knowledge.

Additionally, the space is available for rent, in small day time slots, enabling private events, ensuring that every experience can be personalized and exclusive. This center is not just about preserving history; it's about continuing to enrich lives through todays ways of sharing knowledge and community engagement.

Whether you're planning gathering with coworkers or an intimate family reunion. We would be thrilled to help you create a fabulous event in our beautiful and nostalgic setting in Forest, Lambton Shores. For a personal tour, don't hesitate to reach out to Lisa, our Event Manager @ 519 503 2928

Scan the above code - Share it with a friend - Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre

Reach out to bookings@fclec.com

Call Lisa at 833 512-0991 #1 or ask questions of Kate at 602 481-5577

Like all event venue places, our fees would be menu style - starting at a min of $250.00 for a 3 hour time period, then features such as beverages or light foods could be provided directly by your group or you could have us arrange for cost of goods plus service and clean up.

Annual Corporate pricing is available.

The Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre is one of a kind location, Downtown Forest, Lambton Shores, Ontario - 20 mins north East of Sarnia and 20 mins south of Grand Bend, Ontario - one hour west of London Ontario

This historical site is ideal for social events, small concerts, dinners, meetings, weddings, or corporate meetings and presentations. The Forest Carnegie Library serves as a canvas for any philanthropic or community event, serving to address that "Thirst for Knowledge"

Note this little historical site is an unexpected gem with indoor elegance and appeal, prefect for your destination wedding. When it comes to planning your big day, you want to choose a location that fits your style and the atmosphere you expect on the happiest day of your life. With indoor elegance with a comfortable modern feel,  we are partnered with a local and personal chef - who will bring in cater, fine foods for everyones appetite. We have you covered, be the menu light sandwiches to sweets, as well connections to help your out-of-towners find comfortable and lovely accommodations.

You can find it all here .....Hosting an informal meeting, family reunion or just a get together, Forest Carnegie Library hosts and intimate group of up to 40. So your needs can be met and your guests impressed.

We are delighted to announce that the main floor of the historic Forest Carnegie Library is now available for rent, ideal for hosting your private events. As we continue to update and enhance the building, we invite you to come see the transformation and explore how this venue can fulfill your specific needs. Imagine the endless possibilities and consider the unique benefits this space offers for your events.

In the spirit of celebrating special moments, let's take the opportunity to count our blessings. A heartfelt shout-out to all the moms who make our lives better—without you, we wouldn't be here. Thank you and we are Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day!

The venue for our Forest building, is to provides a private, professional atmosphere that comfortably accommodates 40 guests. It is outfitted with modern conveniences that ensure a high-quality experience, including a kitchenette for food presentation, a large table seating eight, and additional seating for 15 in what we call the BoardRoom. The space is equipped with high-speed internet and wide-screen presentation tools with Bluetooth capabilities, making it ideal for both social and business gatherings.

This building stands as a rare and special gem among the surviving Andrew Carnegie structures, many of which are no longer standing or accessible to the public. We cherish the opportunity to help elevate your community pride, particularly during holidays and seasonal events. For those interested in learning more about Andrew Carnegie's mission to provide spaces for information exploration, visit the above Carnegie link for additional historical insights. Unfortunately, the Carnegie Library in Phoenix, AZ, remains one of the few that is not open to the public.

In the summer of 2026, we hope to see our visions will realize light, as we excitedly introduce "Ticket-based Gatherings." These events are designed to enrich and engage, featuring discussions on books and authors, music listening sessions, talks from local business leaders, and technology workshops, including podcasting. Our goal is to honor Andrew Carnegie's vision by creating a vibrant space for knowledge exchange and community growth through social gatherings.

In sumary, you can host your own events here. Share your vision and we will do our best to make it happen. Contact Lisa Reaume at 519 503-2928 or meet us at the Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre to discuss and plan your event. Start making your dreams a reality. For bookings or more information, email bookings@fclec.com or give a call 602 481-5577

Wow have we been busy. This summer, we will be dusting off the LP's. A new turntable and old school tube amplifier are in place.  Stephen is working on some custom speakers, and they sound great.  This past fall, many have stopped by, thank you for your interest and for signing up as members - Please know we are open this winter by appointment - and you are welcome, even it is to come by and "check us out"

It seems, we will always be buffing and attending to detail - making things more comfortable, stylish and interesting for you and your guests - if you have interest in renting this space - please reach out to Bookings@fclec.com or call Lisa directly at 833 512-0991 #1 to get your questions answered and to understand our offering.

A Heart Felt Plug and Sincere Thank-you to our LOCAL Vendors, for directly supporting our efforts and to be present at our Open House Event - which we plan on doing again this coming summer!

TWIN PINES ORCHARDS & CIDER HOUSE in Thedford thank you for their excellent Apple Cider that we served hot...Yummy....they are a fruit orchard and estate winery, award winning Hammer Bent Line of hard cider - hopefully in the future, with an event permit, we will be able to serve to you!

WILLIAMSON FARMS COUNTRY STORE provided a fabulous array of fudges, and the best butter tarts EVER, along with cheeses and display trays and table clothes - making all so pretty - Please stop into their two locations, one right here on King St, Forest. Come and see their Great selection of food, gifts and toys - Just to name a few!

Special thanks to JULIE WARD from Fabien Jagoo & Associates, Co-operators for Business, Home, Life and Auto Insurance - Julie is an inspiration, as she is creative in all aspects - she can help address your "Women/Men in Business Insurance Needs and Requirements", as she assisted us in structuring our purchase of this Forest Carnegie Library....she has vision, that's for sure!

Then of course, there are the contractors who have and continue to support our renovations. We know that we could not be where we are today, without each of YOU.  All have been responsible/supportive/affordable/creative, giving us your ideas and muscle to dig in and get things done.

So from larger corporations to the single contractor, we are humble in acknowledging your kindness and efforts.

BEEHIVE Windows for designing and recreating the Historic look and feel and installing eco efficient friendly windows

RADE Construction, in addressing the property's need for new weeping tiles

EHS for stylish egress window wells

LONDON LIQUIDATION CENTER for the best priced appliances

JAYDEN MECHANICAL both their plumbing and electrical team are fabulous

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY always seemed to have the right Period Piece of furniture, along with FB Marketplace, thank-you for posting that right item.

DOLLAR HAVEN & DISCOUNT here on Kings St. Forest, we thank you for making each penny count twice and having such a wide and quality selection

And SPECIAL THANKS TO BOTH PROUT BUILDING CENTRE AND CANADIAN TIRE - the staff were wonderful - in helping us with so many suggestions and products, fabulous to have this local expertise, right here in Forest

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL GRAND BEND with their Honorary and Personal Social support and by Deeming me with a Title as "Special"

Of course thanks to Jack, Brian, Kenny, Ryan, Jim, Adam, Cliff, Lakota, Dick and John along with a SPECIAL thanks to our friends Bob and Rhea - for traveling to assist and support us, you both are Amazing, as is our brother-in-law Nate Masters - who always had the right tool to complete the task (be it Dads, Tom) and then he Nate, moved things from storage to storage, to the dump and then repeat, repeat as he helped move the mountain again, again - then differently, but again.

BIZ ENERGIZERS owned by Lisa Reaume, located here in Forest is a "Life Coach" as a fellow ROTARIAN - Lisa practices "Service before Self" - She is passionate and inspires others to ignite the champion within.  Lisa will be our Event Manager, here at Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre, ready to aid you in the design and the successful delivery of your event. Every day I thank the fact that she is here with us "She Believes and so She Goes Forward, To Do" Her direct phone is 519 503-2928

Kate and I can't express enough how much we appreciate your words of encouragement and the fellowship the town of Forest has given us. We have over 145 view and look on the Forest Rocks page - everyone has words of Congratulations and thanks - Very inspiring - We Thank you!

We look forward to hearing from you :-)

Stephen and Kate Ward

Forest Carnegie Library Event Centre, FCLEC

Thanks to everyone in Forest who continue to stop by - thank you to those that have chosen this building to host their event. We, Kate (wife) and Stephen (husband)  we have felt very welcome by our Forest family.

It was a hot summer July and August ( new air conditioner ), we are updating some plumbing and wiring as well and the winters have been real winters.

We are encouraged by the local support that we have received - keep it coming and we too are mustering the strength to keep move forward - bookings@fclec.com is an email where you can ask questions and better understand the detail we provide you and your event. We try and keep the costs passed to you as low as possible to help us pay for the hydro and other utilities.

We hope you enjoy sharing the building and we hope you achieve satisfaction of having YOUR event in the Forest Carnegie Library :-)

Stephen and Kate Ward are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the historic Forest Carnegie Library, nestled at 12 Main St, North, Forest, Ontario.

We are embarking on a mission to rejuvenate this architectural gem into a dynamic Event Center. Our plan includes hosting workshops, community events, and providing a showcase for a private collection of books and audio records from our repertoire.

For those familiar with the Ward family, you might recognize the address 18 King Street East—home to the iconic red church established in 1877. This is where my sister Julie, her husband Nate, and their parents, Tom and Dru Masters, reside. To stay updated on our progress with the library and other family endeavors, we invite you to follow us at library-events.com

Join us on this exhilarating adventure as we strive to restore the Forest Carngie Library to its original splendor while creating a welcoming hub for community engagement and cultural enrichment.

A glimpse into the Building's architectural essence:

Nestled within the heart of Forest, Ontario, stands the Forest Carnegie Library, designed and funded by Andrew Carnegie. It serves as a beacon of neoclassical architecture redolent of the early 20th century's civic spirit. Its balanced façade beckons visitors through a commanding archway, framed by sturdy pilasters and crowned with an ornate pediment. A semi-circular transom window perches above the doorway, a portal for daylight to spill into the building's embrace.

Flanking the entrance, sizeable rectangular windows, detailed with intricate brickwork, promise interiors bathed in natural light, long before electricity was a standard. The structure's silhouette is punctuated by a dormer window, graced with a pediment that echoes the neoclassical motif.

A dome, quaintly referred to as an "Eyebrow," caps the edifice, once a vantage from which to gaze eastward. This central feature is complemented by a grand staircase, wrapping three sides of the entrance. These stairs, broad and inviting, rise to meet visitors, supported by balustrades that lend both symmetry and stateliness. The staircase culminates at a landing that distinguishes the entrance from the common walk, inviting entry into a space of historic significance and communal convergence.

As the new year unfolds, we are filled with anticipation to Welcome you to the Forest Carnegie Library Event Center. We look forward to sharing our journey and creating memories together in this landmark of legacy and learning.

Its 2026, We share some photos of our journey, window, foundation, plumbing, electric to bathroom and kitchen - Quite the effort

Sincerely Stephen and Kate Ward