History of the Library 1836 The Galt Subscription and Circulating Library was established with a loan of 25 pounds from the Honourable William Dickson, a founder of this community. The Library consisted of a few bookcases in the home of Mrs. Johnson at the corner of Main and Ainslie Streets. There were 150 paying members. 1853 On May 12th a public meeting was held to replace the subscription plan with a Galt Mechanics' Institute. James G. Fraser was the first librarian and the Institute was housed in his telegraph office at the southwest corner of Main and Water Streets. 1858 The Galt Mechanics Institute moved to the second floor of the Town Hall. Alexander Addison was the librarian. The Institute received a sum of $50 from the provincial government to buy technical books on the condition that they spend an equal amount for the same purpose. 1871 The Preston Library was established as a Mechanics' Institute, located in the Fireman's Hall. Mrs. Anna B. Chalenor was chosen as Librarian at a salary of $50 per year. The Hespeler Library was established as a Mechanics' Institute. Well attended evening classes were part of the Hespeler Institute's activities for the next 30 years. 1887 The Preston Mechanics' Institute moved to the Oddfellows' Hall. Mr. Otto Klotz was elected chairman of the Institute in 1872 and served in that capacity until 1892. 1897 The Galt Mechanics' Institute opened a new Reading Room at the Library on the 2nd floor of the recently erected market building on Dickson Street. 1900 In response to a town petition, on New Year's Day a by-law was drawn up to create a free library in Galt. The first library board was appointed under chairman Dr. Radford. 1901 The Hespeler Free Public Library was established in January. It was housed in various locations: Sault's Hall, Och's Hall and then in a room owned by the town in the Dominion Bank Block. 1903 The Galt Library moved to its own building at 34 Water Street North. The relocation was funded by a $20,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. 1910 The Preston Library moved into its own building on Argyle Street built with a grant of $12,000 from the Carnegie Foundation. The building was designed by architect, Mr. Binning of Peterborough. Books were moved to the new location by Mr. Arthur Yates using his wheelbarrow. 1923 The Hespeler Library moved to its present location at the corner of Tannery and Adam Streets. The building was constructed with a grant of $14,500 from the Carnegie Foundation, supplemented by $4,500 from the town. The same building is in use today. 1969 After 66 years on Water Street, the Galt Library moved to the current Grand Avenue North location. In addition to library facilities the new building contained an auditorium and an art gallery. 1973 The libraries of Galt, Preston and Hespeler joined to form the Cambridge Public Library. After 63 years on Argyle Street, the Preston Library moved to its present location on King Street. Norman Hebblethwaite was Chief Librarian. 1984 Major renovations were made to the Hespeler Library, including the installation of an elevator. 1986 Major renovations were made to the Library & Gallery (Galt) to add additional floor space. The auditorium was removed to allow relocation of the gallery. 1992 In response to the growth of the Hespeler community the size of the library was doubled. Ground floor access, a program room and a study area were added. The renovations were funded through a PRIDE grant of $750,000 from the Province of Ontario matched with funds from the City of Cambridge. 1992 Renovation and expansion of the Library & Gallery (Galt) included new space to house a climate controlled art gallery, a studio and greatly enlarged children's facilities. 1997 The Clemens Mill Library opened at the corner of Franklin Boulevard and Saginaw Parkway, sharing space with St. Benedict Secondary School. The Clemens Mill location is the first integrated high school and community library in Ontario which is run by the local public library board. 2001 The Preston Library on King St. underwent its first renovation since it opened in that location in 1973. The Library was closed to the public for six months between July and December 2001. The newly renovated library, at 10,675 square feet, includes 900 square feet of gallery exhibition space. The Preston Library won the City of Cambridge Urban Design Award of Excellence in 2003 as well as the Ontario Library Association 2004 Award for Excellence in Library Architecture and Planning. 2007 A major renovation of the Hespeler Library was completed in June 2007 increasing the size to 14,000 square feet. The historic Carnegie Library was encased in a modern glass structure that provides expanded children's facilities and larger study, book and computer areas. During the construction period the library relocated to a temporary location on nearby Queen Street. In 2004 Canadian Architect Magazine selected the Hespeler Library design as one of the top ten projects across Canada.