The Atikokan Public Library

The Atikokan Public Library was built in 1967, but a library has been in existence since the earliest days when one borrowed a book from a rented corner in a local store in 1952. In A History of Atikokan compiled by Allan A. Vitta for Atikokan's 75th anniversary he states that “the story of Atikokan's Library has been one of community spirit and co-operation – of desire and determination. It is a story of dedicated people, and a fairy godmother in the person of Madge Hogarth.” The interior of the library is graced with a tall-case clock that is carved with woodland animals, paintings by Atikokan artist's Alanna Marohnic and Elsa Kosola. Pen and in drawings by Elsa Kosola and Gisela Ewald. Pause and look around for the memorial plaque to Major General Donald Hogarth, took over as President of Steep Rock Iron Mine after Joseph Errington's death, 1942. Hogarth had a successful career in the military, in politics and in business before his tenure as President, 1942 to 1950. The original “A” ore body was named Hogarth Pit, and the Hogarth name was perpetuated in the Hogarth Memorial Library in Atikokan which was started with a generous donation by his widow. Don Park, a sub-division is also named after Donald Hogarth as he personally donated the land for construction of housing for Steep Rock employees.

Effie Munn became the first full-time librarian and served from 1959 to 1971. Doris Brown served as librarian 1981 to 2005. In 1997 the Ontario Library Board Association awarded her the W. J. Robertson Medallion for outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario.

The modern concept of town twinning was promoted after 1947 and was intended to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures, to encourage trade and tourism. In 1967 Atikokan was twinned with the community of Schifferville, Québec.