The History of the Orangeville Public Library

The Orangeville Public Library originated as the Orangeville Mechanics Institute in 1895. In 1907, having received a grant from the Carnegie Library Foundation, construction began on a new building to house the collection. Upon completion in 1908, the Library was officially renamed the Orangeville Public Library and opened its doors to the public. The impressive brick and stone building housed the collection and served residents and the surrounding area for more than 80 years.

In 1989, due to an increase in the population it served, changes in technology, and the growth of the collection, the Library underwent a major renovation. 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 decorative stonework on the Broadway and Mill Street facades is representative of Beaux-Arts Classicism, a style of architecture popular at the turn of the century.