Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

orangeville library logo

View our account login pageAccount Login Contact Us
MakerspaceHours and LocationsDonate Now
Account Login
  • Borrow and Learn
    • Audiobooks
    • Books and eBooks
    • Kids Stuff
    • Language and ESL
    • Learning and Research
    • Library Cards
    • Loan Periods and Fees
    • Local History and Genealogy
    • Magazines and Newspapers
    • Movies and TV
    • MyOPL Catalogue
    • Online Services A-Z
    • Passes and Things
    • Reading Suggestions
    • Request an Item
    • SmartSpots
  • Visit Us
    • Accessibility
    • Bus Passes and Garbage Tags
    • Computers and Printing
    • Exam Proctoring
    • Homebound Delivery Service
    • Hours and Locations
    • Print from Anywhere
    • Request a Reservation
    • Room Rentals
    • Tours and Outreach
  • Programs and Events
    • Adults
    • Tween and Teen
    • Kids
    • Battle of the Books
    • Events Calendar
    • News
    • Newsletters
    • Program Proposal
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Friends of the Library
    • Hours and Locations
    • Library Board
    • Our History
    • Support the Library
    • Town of Orangeville

Our History

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email this page Email
HomeAbout UsOur History
Search Options

The Orangeville Public Library originated as the Orangeville Mechanics Institute (OMI), a members only organization around 1878. The OMI opened its doors to the public in 1895 and by the early 1900s was outgrowing its location. Library Board members and the Town of Orangeville worked together with the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to begin building a new library on the corner of Mill Street and Broadway. With a grand opening in April 1908, the officially renamed Orangeville Public Library began serving the community.

Other than a minor renovation to the children's room in 1967, the library building remained unchanged for almost 80 years. With increases in the Town's population, changes in technology and the growth of the collection, the Library underwent a major fundraising campaign and renovation in the late 1980's. The original Library building was united with the old Bank of Commerce building. The architect's skillful re-design and combination of the two buildings resulted in the Orangeville Public Library's Mill Street location we are familiar with today.

The building was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2002. Its architecture is the only surviving example of Beaux-Arts Classicism in Orangeville, a major contributing factor to the Heritage building designation.

In 2004, community growth prompted the addition of a branch to the Library. The Alder Street branch was opened on the second floor of the Alder Street Recreation Complex. 

Further renovations were undertaken in 2013 and 2016 to improve accessibility, update technology and provide community space at the Mill St. Building. Highlights included the addition of floor space and a community living room along with the creation of a spectacular children's area.

About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Friends of the Library
    • Hours and Locations
    • Library Board
      Toggle Section Library Board Menu
      • Library Board Policies
      • Reconsideration of Library Material Request
    • Our History
    • Support the Library
    • Town of Orangeville

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page

Orangeville Library logo

Mill St. Library

1 Mill Street
Orangeville, ON
L9W 2M2
Open a Google Map


Hours of Operation

Alder St. Library

275 Alder Street
Orangeville, ON
L9W 5H6
Open a Google Map

 

Hours of Operation

How Did We Do?

Please take this opportunity to help us improve our service.

Share a Story

Customer Satisfaction Survey

survey form with faces

© 2020 Orangeville Public Library

AccessibilitySitemapWebsite FeedbackHours and LocationsContact Us

By GHD Digital

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.