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Visit the Guelph Public Library’s website at guelphpl.ca for 24-7 access to the Library’s catalogue, services, and programs. Check your account online, renew your items or place holds. You can also access our mobile Bookmobile service schedule, discover your history using our archives, and discover free programs for children, teens, and adults. There is something for everyone at Guelph Public Library!
Digital and in person services are always expanding with a larger new Central Library planned within the Baker Street redevelopment. The Library continues to fulfill its mission to serve the changing needs of the city’s population. These enhanced services and facilities act as a gateway to the information networks of the world as well as a key cultural and community focal points.
Guelph Public Library Vision: Expect empowerment
Empowerment is defined as “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.” This is what the Library strives to offer to the community—space, resources, and support to grow, overcome barriers, and craft lives of our own choosing. Our aspirational goal is that the community, staff, and partners have the expectation of empowerment every time they interact with us.
Guelph Public Library Mission
The Library offers inclusive, sustainable spaces, and opportunities for people to engage their curiosity and create community.
Guelph Public Library Values
Trust
We foster trust by acting with integrity, holding ourselves and others accountable, and consistently delivering compassion in our services.
Belonging
We deepen belonging by offering accessible, diverse services and space that promotes the individual and collective wellness of community members.
Curiosity
We nurture curiosity and creativity; we model lifelong learning and literacy.
Resiliency
We cultivate resilience by embracing change as an opportunity to grow and transform, adapting to the evolving needs of our community. We create an environment where everyone feels empowered to be vulnerable and show up authentically, knowing they are part of a community that cares.
History of the Guelph Public Library
The Guelph Public Library has deep cultural roots in the historic heart of Guelph. In 1832, the first circulating library began operation in the backroom of a merchant’s store. Eighteen years later on January 14, 1850, local citizens gathered for the purpose of organizing a Farmer’s and Mechanic’s Institute in Guelph. Within a few months, a library was collected and a reading room was opened for the use of all members. By 1851, this 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. The City of Guelph was the first in Ontario to take advantage of this Act. The Guelph Public Library was founded on February 10th, 1883 making its services available to everyone in the city. In 1883, 16,485 books were circulated which has dramatically increased to over 2.1 million items 140 years later.
As the oldest free public library in Ontario, the GPL has evolved to meet the changing demands of our ever-expanding city. 1975 saw an addition to the Main Library and in 1976 the Bookmobile Service was added. The neighbourhood branch system was established in 1984 when Bullfrog Mall Branch opened. This was quickly followed by the Scottsdale Centre Branch in 1986. A third library location was introduced as part of the West End Recreation Centre in 2001 and Westminster Square, the largest neighbourhood branch, opened its doors in November 2006. The GPL’s newest location, East Side, opened in May 2010. This branch is the greenest library in the city with an impressive Gold LEED® certification.
For more information
519-824-6220
[email protected]
guelphpl.ca
