In 2008, the public library here will celebrate its 125th anniversary – the oldest free public library in Ontario.
In honour of that milestone, the library will be hosting events throughout the year. The first celebration, the official anniversary ceremony, will take place on Feb. 9 at 1:30pm at the Main Branch, 100 Norfolk Street. Everyone is invited to a program highlighting the library’s “inspired journey.”
Mayor Karen Farbridge will speak. Songwriter James Gordon will perform a tribute song for his hometown library and well-known local artist, Stephen Lewis, will unveil his commemorative sculpture. A slide show will take visitors back through 125 years of growth in Guelph and the library.
Afterwards enjoy light refreshments, Suzuki Strings entertainment, and wander behind the scenes for a library tour.
The Guelph public library has deep roots in the heart of Guelph. In 1832, the first circulating library began operation in the backroom of a merchant’s store. Eighteen years later, on Jan. 14, 1850, a number of citizens met for the purpose of organizing a Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Institute in Guelph. Within a few months, a library was collected and a reading room was opened for the use of all members.
In 1851, that room held 404 volumes and boasted 119 members.
In 1882, the Free Libraries Act was passed, allowing municipalities to establish libraries supported by local taxes. Guelph was the first in Ontario to take advantage of the act and the Guelph public library was founded on Feb. 10, 1883. The library’s services were made available to all the citizens of the community.
In 1883, 16,485 books were circulated.
After briefly being housed in the Masonic Block on Wyndham Street and in city hall, the library attempted to seek larger and more suitable quarters. On April 23, 1903, it moved to its current location on the corner of Norfolk and Paisley.
Guelph was one of the first communities to take advantage of the building grants made available by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The Carnegie building, though beautiful, proved too small for Guelph’s growing population. In 1964, amid much controversy, that library was demolished.
After months in a temporary residence, the current main library opened its doors in November of 1965.
Since them, the Guelph public library has grown steadily in order to meet the changing demands of an expanding city.
In 1975, there was an addition to the main library and in 1976 the bookmobile service was added.
The neighbourhood branch system started in 1984 when Bullfrog mall branch opened. That was quickly followed by the Scottsdale centre branch in 1986. A third one was introduced as part of the West End recreation centre in 2001 and Westminster Square, the library’s newest and largest neighbourhood branch, opened in November 2006. A fifth branch is planned in the city’s East end for 2008.
For more information visit a Guelph public library branch, phone 519-824-6220, or visit www.library.guelph.on.ca.
