Cornwall Public Library Tour
On October 21, 2025, I took part in a Cornwall Public Library Tour as part of the events happening this month to celebrate the library’s 130th anniversary. Cornwall’s first library opened in the Mechanics’ Institute in 1895 on the southwest corner of Sydney and Second street, right across the street from our current library. Our Tour Guide, Frank Burelle, the library’s Community Engagement Coordinator, related that at that time a library membership cost fifty cents for men and twenty-five cents for women. Eventually, a library membership became free so that everyone could take advantage of it.
In the late 1950’s the library moved to the Cline House. Angus Mowat was the Director of Public Libraries for Ontario at the time. You might have heard of his son, the renowned Farley Mowat, author of such classic books as “Never Cry Wolf,” and “The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be.” When the library outgrew this space, the Simon Fraser wing was added. Who else remembers doing research there using the Dewey Decimal system to locate the books? One of these obsolete index card cabinets is on display at the first floor along the east wall.
The library continued to outgrow its space, and two branches soon opened – the M.J. Fitzpatrick Branch in the north and the Anne Nyland Branch in the east. I don’t have any recollection of those, but I do remember the bookmobiles that came later in the 1970’s, particularly the one at the Eastcourt Mall.
In 1997, after the Post Office had relocated, the Cornwall Public Library moved into its current location 45 Second Street East, but the history doesn’t stop there. The plot of land where the library sits was once the home of the Cornwall Orphanage. A fire in 1950 destroyed the building, but fortunately no one was hurt. The Federal Government then acquired the land in 1953 and built a Post Office. With World War II in the not-so-distant past, the government was preparing for the worst. As such, the basement of the building was designated as a safe space for the Prime Minister in the event of anything happening on Parliament Hill. In an emergency, he would have been able to run the country from this Cornwall basement. It was built so that 100 people could stay there for 120 days without ever having to leave the building. It housed a full kitchen, a full gymnasium, a dormitory with bunk beds, and a communication room. In fact, during our visit we saw boxes and crates containing such emergency items as wool blankets, first aid kits, and water canteens left there by the Department of National Defence in the 1950’s which have yet to be retrieved.
The basement is also home to relics from the demolished Capitol Theater. I was astounded by the sheer number of artifacts located there, from plaster wall ornaments to doors, as well as the old marquees. Hopefully, someday they can be repurposed for something extraordinary.
Among many other interesting stories about the library, Frank told us about Simon, the dragon puppet, an actual puppet made by Frank himself over 20 years ago. The puppet was inspired by signage at the bottom of the stairs leading to the children’s department on the upper level. It was part of a production show called “Simon’s Moving Picture Show.”
In honour of the 130th anniversary, look for more fun facts about the library on its Facebook page. Thirteen new ones will be posted daily for 10 days. It’s also not too late to obtain a snazzy limited edition Cornwall Public library card. It’s free when you sign up for a membership or $3 if you want to replace your existing card.
