Browse Items (187 total)

In the 1940s the Welland Library produced a column in the local newspaper, “The Library Corner” where they would recommend books to patrons on a particular theme. This particular article from July 21, 1943, recommends books all about the outdoors!

In November of 1944, Chief Librarian, Miss Mary Alvin spoke to the Library Board in regard to the establishment of a Film Library at Welland Library in connection with the National Film Board at Ottawa. In November of 1946, the library became a…

The fifties are here!!
Check out this photo of librarian Miss Ivy White handing out library cards. All students attending schools in Welland were classed as residents and were granted cards.
: October 1951

The library was the perfect backdrop for photos in the 1950s!

A three story addition to the rear of the library increased space for the Reference and Audio-Visual Department. The main floor Reference Room had 34 study carrels and a complete Reference Collection. The new audio-visual area had a small viewing…

With the new space added by the extension, the Audio-Visual Department was able to house 8- & 16-mm films, records , 8 track music and videos tapes! During the 80's, Laser discs and sheet music were added to the collection, as well grow our Video…

Early 1990's


Opacs replaced the Card Catalogue as a new way of searching for material.
Books were now circulated in and out using the new automated system.

In December 1998, WPL had added two new Internet workstations open in the Reference Department.
As a key information finding tool, this service allowed for free unfiltered access to Welland Library card holders.
By 1999, the library began…

Moving a Library - In May of 2005, the Library moved to its current facility at 50 The Boardwalk as part of the new City of Welland Civic Square. The official opening was held on June 28, 2005

The library has changed quite a bit since 2005 (and so have the students from the Fitch Street School kindergarten class!)
The new expansive space included children's, adult, reference, local history, audio-visual, computers, study, and community…