Did you know that before 1883, there was no public library system in Toronto, or anywhere else in Canada? Fast forward 129 years later and Toronto now has 99 of them! In addition, the city’s 100th public library will be connected to Library District Condominiums. It’s quite a milestone and the city’s public library system has certainly come a long way since 1883. Let’s take a look back at the history of Toronto’s first library.

Toronto's first public library in 1884. It was previously known as the Toronto Mechanics' Institute

The Toronto Mechanics’ Institute was an educational institution in the 19th century that became Toronto’s first public library. It was one of a series of mechanics’ institutes that were set up around the world after becoming popular in Britain. Established in 1830, it was designed to provide technical and adult education.

Paying members had access to lectures, courses, and a library. In 1853 the Institute built a new permanent home at the corner of Church and Adelaide Streets. In 1883, the Institute was transformed into a municipally-supported public reference library. The idea was promoted by alderman John Hallam, but it was met with a great deal of resistance in city council. No other city in Canada at this time had a completely free public library. Hallam brought the initiative to a public referendum, and the citizens of Toronto voted in its favour on January 1, 1883. The 5,000 book collection of the Mechanics’ Institute became the first books of the Toronto Public Library.

The building remained at the main branch of the Toronto Public Library until 1909 when it moved to its new location at College and St. George (today the Koffler Centre). It remained a library branch until 1927, and was torn down in 1949.

This is what the site looks like today.