Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library is a nonprofit public library in Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1877 as the Mechanic's Institute in Allan's Jewellery Store, it evolved into a free public library in 1899. The first permanent library was built in 1923 at 7 Main Street East with a $6000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation and additional donations from local residents[1][2][5].

History

The library began with a small collection and grew significantly over the years. It held about 793 volumes in the early 1880s, expanding to 1009 volumes by 1884, and over 2,500 volumes by 1895[2]. The Carnegie Library, constructed in 1923, initially housed 5,495 volumes, increasing to around 7,246 volumes by 1947[2]. The library continued to evolve and expand its services, reflecting the growing needs of the community.

Modern Developments

The current library building, designed by Diamond Schmitt, was renovated and reopened in 2018. It offers various amenities, including wheelchair accessibility, parking, washrooms, and photography permission. The library also hosts a Makerspace, contributing to the community's cultural and educational landscape[1]. The library is involved in community programs, such as the celebration of International Tabletop Games Day and local history initiatives[1][4].

Programs and Services

Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library provides a range of programs catering to diverse age groups and interests. These include early childhood programs like "EarlyON Sing and Sign" for infants and "Tuesday Storytime" for children aged 2-6. The library also hosts adult programs, such as the "English Conversation Circle" for language learners and historical sessions with a historian in residence[4]. Additionally, it offers access to local historical resources, including digitized versions of the Stouffville Sun/Tribune newspapers[3].

The library remains a vibrant hub of community activity, supporting both educational and recreational needs in Whitchurch-Stouffville. Its commitment to accessibility and engagement reflects its role as a key nonprofit organization in the region.

Business Details

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library operates under the business registration number 119297117RR0001.