Visit the Guelph Public Library’s website at www.library.guelph.on.ca for 24-7 access to the library’s catalogue. 

Here you can check your account online, renew your checked out items or even place a hold on books and movies. You can also find out details about the GPL’s hours of service including the Bookmobile schedule, view the Archives image database, or discover the many free library programs available for children, teens and adults. There is something for everyone at your Guelph Public Library!

The Guelph Public Library has deep 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 14th, 1850, a number of local citizens met for the purpose of organizing a Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Institute in Guelph. Within a few months, a library was collected and a reading room was opened for the use of all members. In 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 and the Guelph Public Library was founded on February 10th, 1883. The Library’s services were made available to all the citizens of the community. In 1883, 16,485 books were circulated.

As the oldest free public library in Ontario, the Guelph Public Library has grown steadily in order 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 branch was introduced as part of the West End Recreation Centre in 2001 and Westminster Square, the Library’s newest and largest neighbourhood branch, opened its doors in November of 2006. A fifth branch is planned to begin operations in the city’s East end in the near future.

With the continuing expansion of the virtual library and the proposed construction of a larger Main Branch, the Guelph Public Library will continue to fulfill its mission to serve the changing needs of the city’s population. These enhanced services and facilities serve as both a gateway to the information networks of the world and a key cultural and community focal point.

As outlined in its mission statement, the Guelph Public Library will provide and promote to the citizens of Guelph friendly, efficient public library service. It will provide appropriately selected and catalogued collections of materials, both print and non-print, properly designed and maintained facilities, service enhancing programming, and well trained staffed.

The Guelph Public Library’s goals are: