Library History
Aurora Public Library History
Public library service in Aurora began in 1855 with the formation of the Aurora Association for the Diffusion of Helpful Knowledge, later called the Aurora Mechanics Institute and Library Association. The emphasis of the Association was providing weekly lectures and concerts rather than lending books. However, by 1868, the Association decided to construct its own building at the southeast corner of Mosley and Victoria Streets. The building was called The Mechanics Hall and was used as a lecture and concert hall as well as a library reading room.
In 1895, a Public Library Association was formed with a Board of Management appointed by Town Council. The collection was enlarged and by 1905 the emphasis had become the circulation of books.
In 1920, Town Council accepted the assets of the Association, including The Mechanics Hall, and established a Municipal Public Library under the Free Public Libraries Act. The Library was moved to the Town Hall on the northeast corner of Yonge and Mosley Streets. In 1926, a children's section was opened; however, children were admitted only on Saturday afternoons.
In 1945, the collection was moved to Health Hall, now Victoria Hall, on the southwest corner of Mosley and Victoria Streets.
In 1963, to commemorate Aurora's centennial, a permanent furnished facility of 4,500 square feet was constructed at 56 Victoria Street. By 1967, the size of the collection was approximately 14,900 items and membership was 5,236. This construction occured during the tenure of Marjorie Andrews, Town Librarian for 38 years. Miss Andrews was instrumental in the development of library service in Aurora.
The image to the right shows the "Book Brigade" as Wells Street
Public School students carry the library collections from
Health Hall to the "new" library in 1963.
Population growth and demand for services necessitated expansion and in 1976 the first part of a planned 13,000 square foot extension was opened. The remainder, including a large meeting room named after Marjorie Andrews, was opened in 1979. The expanded facility was designed to serve a population of 20,000.
After Marjorie Andrews retired, Sylvia Hall became the Chief Librarian, followed in 1980
by Penny McKee.
In 1987, Colleen Abbott became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aurora Public Library. Aurora's population continued to grow as did the demand for and scope of public library service. In 2001, Aurora Public Library moved to a new 44,375 square foot facility on the northeast corner of Yonge and Church Streets. The Colleen Abbott Gallery, created in 2009, was named in recognition of the visionary leadership given to the Library and the community during Colleen Abbott's tenure.
In 2008, Louise Procter Maio became CEO of Aurora Public
Library. What has emerged from our early roots is a busy
bustling high-tech library in the downtown core of historic
Aurora.
We welcome you to Aurora Public Library to explore what
excites and opens you to new possibilities and experiences.
