Come and see a few of our behind-the-scenes spaces at Fergus Branch and learn about the history of this vital community space during one of our Culture Days tours in September and October!
Fergus Branch was originally established around the year 1836 with a community collection "for the winter nights" [Fergus Public Library, research notes, 1835-2002]. The first library was called the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Institute and for a $1 membership fee, people could borrow books that were mainly donated by Scottish settlers in the area. In 1895, it became the Fergus Free Public Library.
On January 29, 1908, American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie endowed $7,000 to the village of Fergus to build a public library building. Construction began in the summer of 1908 and the library officially opened on February 9, 1911. Renovations in the 1950s and the 1980s to accommodate a growing population changed the character of the original Carnegie space, but it remained as busy as ever.
Fergus Library was amalgamated into the Wellington County Library system in 1999. In 2013, funds were allocated to a major renovation to improve service and accessibility. These renovations restored historical character, as well as adding 10,000 square feet. On March 31, 2015, Fergus Branch re-opened after almost two years of renovations. The front of the building contains our Heritage Room and maintains the historic look of the original building from the street. The back and third floor addition include beautiful views of the Grand River, expanded adult and children's collections, rental space, and administrative offices.