Lindsay Library

In the nineteenth century—before the advent of motion pictures or radio—let alone the internet, print media was basically the only media that could reach an international audience. Having access to books opened exciting possibilities for those who could read—literacy was far from universal. Readers could enjoy a story like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or Pride and Prejudice. Books could be a great way to learn practical skills related to agriculture, machinery or housework. They could introduce far away worlds and share religious ideas. But buying books was a luxury that not everyone could regularly afford.

In May 1860, Lindsay’s magazine reading room opened next to Thomas Beall’s store in the Dundas and Flavelle block. It had an initial membership of 130 citizens, who each paid a $6 annual fee. In that era, it was a lot of money and not everyone could afford a library membership. In the 1860s, a 100-acre farm could be purchased for $500. But for those who could read and had enough money for the membership, the investment was well worth it.

On January 10, 1880, the reading room was reorganized as a Mechanics; Institute, which was situated over Dobson’s Store, on the southwest corner of William and Kent Streets. The first librarian was H.A. Wallis. In the nineteenth century, many communities throughout Britain and its colonies had a Mechanics’ Institute—which was basically a library, but the movement to create them emphasized technical education. The case was made that it was a good investment to help working men gain practical skills. The second floor of the Grand Trunk Railway station also housed a 1600 volume collection.

The Mechanics’ Institute became a free public library on March 23, 1899. In 1902, Andrew Carnegie (an American steel magnate, philanthropist and the second richest man in the world) agreed to give $13,500 to build a new library, as the Town of Lindsay committed $1350 annually for maintenance. The original 1904 library was a red brick building, with white accents, and pillars framing the entrance, built on a tasteful stone foundation. By 1920, it could boast 7501 volumes. A 1977 addition allowed the original library to become a children’s section, with larger facilities to the east.