Guelph Public Library

• Bullfrog Mall
• Bookmobile
• East Side
• Main
• Scottsdale
• West End
• Westminster

In 1883, the Guelph Public Library was the first public library in Ontario established under the Public Library Act of 1882.^[2] The collection of the Farmers and Mechanics Institute library, which had been a free public lending library since 1850, was contributed to the newly founded Guelph Public Library.^[3]

The first library building was completed in September 1905 at the corner of Norfolk and Paisley streets downtown, partly through a Carnegie Foundation grant of $24,000.^{[4]: 30–31} The neo-classical (Beaux Art) structure, had been designed in 1902 by W. Frye Colwill.^[5] According to a University publication, "The library permitted free access, used the Dewey Decimal system classification, and provided a card catalogue. The motto, "Floreat Scientia" ("Let Knowledge Grow") was carved above the stone entrance. A special Guelph feature was its dome, one of the few built in this fashion in Canada".^[6] It was demolished in 1964 in spite of public opposition, and replaced with the current structure on Norfolk St.^[7][8]

A new public library may be built near the Baker St. parking lot, which is to be redeveloped as the Baker District. Preliminary discussions about a new main branch had taken place by summer 2017 with some decision expected to be made in 2018.^[9][10] Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.