About the Library ~ Our History
In 1854 St. Vincent council (which included Meaford) decided to found a library. Sixty British pounds were spent to buy books and distribute them to five locations throughout the township: Meaford, Griersville, Scotch Mountain, Cape Rich & Leaven's Corner.
The Original Meaford library location was D.L. Layton's store and was open 2 hours per week. In 1869 the township was persuaded by the local newspaper editor to amalgamate the 5 libraries into one central location at the printing office of the Monitor newspaper in Meaford.
The first public organization to help in funding the library was the Mechanics Institute. It was a group formed by public-minded citizens who added books to the collection, gave lectures and held music concerts.
By 1887, the library of about 1000 volumes was located in Mr. and Mrs. MacKinnon's Book Store.
Through 1891-1900 the library was located in various places in town until it settled above W.W. Stephens drug store. In early 1900 the town attempted to take over the library and make it a public facility funded by tax dollars. The town lost in this decision by one vote. When the new town hall was built in 1908 the library moved to the North East corner of the town hall.