Caledonia's Public Library began with the Mechanics Institute
Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth November 11, 2013
Years ago, there was what was known as a Mechanics Institute. Library history in Caledonia, previous to 1927, tells about a library that had once been "owned, operated, or managed by the Mechanics Institute (whatever that was)."
The Mechanics Institute in Caledonia was established on January 4, 1884 when a by-law was passed and a grant of $25 was given for this purpose. The location was in the Scott Block.
Mechanics Institutes came to Canada from the UK where they were established in the 1820s, associations for working men to improve their education. The Institute provided libraries, among other educational opportunities for these men, perhaps an alternative to gambling and pub drinking.
The concept spread quickly to North America and a Montreal Mechanics Institute opened in 1828. Other institutes followed, especially in Ontario and by 1895 Ontario included 311 institutes with a total of 31,195 members. With the development of the labour movement, public libraries and adult education, Mechanics Institute operations were curtailed. By the beginning of the 20th century, they had become libraries.
Caledonia Library history tells us the name was changed to the Caledonia Library and it was moved to the fire hall where it remained until 1914, with Colonel Gould as librarian. This library was discontinued because Caledonia council refused a grant. Without a library, the books were stored in the basement of the town hall.
After some 13 years, in 1927, Mrs. Elmer Senn decided it was time to use these old books as a nucleus for a new library. Myrtle Renwick wrote about that time saying they worked on the books, "sneezed and coughed our way through the piles of old books - dusting sorting and cataloguing them (they would have made a fine bonfire).”
"Although it was such a small project in the beginning, it was popular," she said.
The 600 books were stacked on shelves on the north wall of the upstairs room in the town hall. Supported by membership fees, municipal and provincial grants, the library of that day opened two hours on Saturday afternoon and two hours on Saturday evening. Two books were allowed out at a time for 14 days or a fine was imposed.
The Women's Institute became involved in the early 1930s. By 1938, the library was moved across the street to the IOOF Hall, and with limited income book collection increased, as did the open hours.
In 1957, council offered space at 5 Caithness Street West, formerly occupied by the municipal offices. On January 1, 1961, Caledonia council passed a by-law establishing a public library.
In 1965, council decided that the centennial project would be a new library building. In May 1966, the library moved to the new Caithness Street West location and Annette Hull Michener left a considerable sum of money for the children's department. By 1970, there was a membership of 1,400 members.
The library moved to its existing premises in 1994 at the Haldimand Caledonia Community Centre on Haddington Street next to the twin pad arena, a far cry from the day of the Mechanics Institute.
Thanks to a few people who knew the value of books, Caledonia's library history has an interesting story to tell.
