Browse Items (186 total)

Black and white photograph showing construction of the new library addition with a view to the south, August 1961. The building in the left background is the Leslie Apartments.

Black and white photograph showing construction of the new library addition with a view of the front, August 1961.

Colour photograph showing Ronald McDonald in the childrens area at the Main Branch of WPL reading a book to children, from September/October 2009.

Our documented story starts with a first-anniversary shareholders meeting of The Welland Library Company on November 26, 1825. The meeting was held at a schoolhouse near Brown's Bridge along The Welland River (pictured here}

Last week, we introduced the beginning history of the library.
Now in 1858, The Welland Library Association amalgamated with "The Mechanic's Institute of Merrittsville" to become the "Welland Mechanic's Institute". This meeting took place at The…

Did you know?
In 1858, when the library amalgamated from “The Mechanic‘s Institute of Merrittsville” to “ The Mechanics Institute“ there were only upwards of 300 volumes in circulation

Every Thursday, we showcase a piece of history of the library as we begin to celebrate our 100 year anniversary.
Now, between 1877- 1880, The Mechanic's Institute had received local contributions and a provincial grant.
As well at the time, the…

Check out this copy of an original document from 1825!
This document shows proceedings of the first anniversary of the Welland Library. This meeting was held at the School House near Brown Bridge on Saturday, November 26, 1825.
Such was their…

In 1895, the library officially was known as The Welland Public Library in accordance with The Public Library Act. During this time:
- Books were classified and numbered.
- There was a reading room.
- Fines and membership were charged.
- A copy…

We don't have a photo of the library for 1897 but this photo is of the May Day crowd in Welland in the same year.
In library history at this time:
- 3,768 volumes were added to the library
- The assets of the library in books and furniture were…