Library
Gore Bay Union Public Library
15 Water St., P.O. Box 225
Gore Bay, Ontario
P0P 1H0
| P: | 705-282-2221 |
| F: | 705-282-2221 |
| E: | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Library Hours: |
Summer Hours |
| Monday: 2 – 5pm Tuesday: 2 – 5pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2 – 8pm Friday: 2 – 8pm Saturday: 10am – 1pm Sunday: Closed |
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9 – 1 & 2 – 5 Wednesday: 9 – 1 & 2 -5 Thursday: 9 – 1 & 2 – 7 Friday: 9 – 1 & 2 – 7 Saturday: 9 – 1 & 2 – 5 Sunday: Closed |
A Short History of the Gore Bay Union Public Library: At one time, libraries in all small centres consisted only of private collections until the “Mechanics Institute” was formed in the Province of Ontario. These institutes gathered collections of books and this enterprise was supported by citizens of the centers and by small grants from the government.
A Mechanic’s Institute was established in Gore Bay in 1891 and by the end of 1892 a collection of some 500 books was being used by subscribers to the Mechanic’s Institutes Library in town.
The Gore Bay Public Library dates back to 1896 the first sponsor of the library was Mr. Sam J. Keyes, a high school principal in Gore Bay. The room that was used was in the building owned by a Mrs. J.H. Thorburn and Mr. John Fraser.
In 1895 an Act was passed by the Provincial government which superseded the Mechanic’s Institute by Public Libraries. The citizens of Gore Bay chose to have a Free Public Library, which meant, books could be taken out by any responsible citizen without payment. Provincial and Municipal grants supported the enterprise.
In 1912 the library was located in a small antiroom in the store of Mr. Wm. Johnson, who also acted as librarian. When Mr. Johnson went overseas in 1916 the library was moved to the Agricultural Office, the bottom floor of the building which is now occupied by the Stedman’s Store.
The Agricultural Representative at the time kindly offered space in his office for the library and the assistance of his secretary who acted as the librarian. It occupied this space for approximately 30 years. The library moved from the Agriculture office to above the post office and a regular librarian was appointed. In 1953 the library moved again, to the Municipal Building above the fire hall and in 1990 it moved to its current location on Water Street in the town office building..
For a small fee the following services are available at your library:
- Interlibrary Loan
- Public Internet
- Photocopying
- Faxing
- Binding projects
- Laminating
