Come with us and discover the rich and exciting history behind the years since Stratford Public Library first opened its doors.
The Beginning
In the early 1900s, Library Board Chair Thomas R. Orr sought funding from Andrew Carnegie. In December 1901, Carnegie offered $12,000, later increased to $15,000, for a free library building, contingent on the city providing a site and ongoing maintenance. After months of public debate and a narrow City Council vote, Stratford accepted the grant on April 7, 1902.
One of eight Ontario communities approved in the first year of Carnegie funding, Stratford opened its library on September 19, 1903 as Ontario’s second Carnegie library. Built on the former St. Andrew’s Church burial ground, purchased for $800, the building provided 3,286 square feet of functional space.
Designed by local architect James Russell, the red brick building featured Credit Valley brownstone, terra cotta trim, and a St. Mary’s stone foundation. The original design included a grand north entrance and caretaker living quarters in the basement.
In 1925–26, an east-end addition increased the building by approximately 1,200 square feet. The north entrance was closed, a new main entrance created on the east side, and interior spaces reorganized to support expanding services, including children’s areas, meeting rooms, archives, and newspaper storage.
1974 - 1975
A major renovation in 1974–75 included an addition of approximately 8,000 square feet ended residential use of the building and introduced expanded children’s services, audiovisual spaces, microfilm readers, screening rooms, and a 150-seat auditorium. Accessibility improvements included a wheelchair ramp and main-floor washroom, and a Wintario-funded elevator opened on September 24, 1978, marking the library’s 75th anniversary.
Our History Continues
For more than a century, the Stratford Public Library has evolved alongside its community, honouring its Carnegie heritage while remaining a vibrant hub for learning, culture, and connection.
Open Doors Stratford
Explore the Library during Doors Open to discover cool facts about the past, in a self-guided tour of spots on the main and lower floors. You may be surprised to find out what has changed in the library building over the last century!
Thanks to the Stratford-Perth Archives for historical research assistance.
April 18 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
And many other locations around the city!
