Lambton Libraries Nook

Sarnia's First Library

The growth of early Sarnia followed the typical pattern that was seen in the Western Districts of Upper Canada with one exception2, Sarnia had the luxury of a community library. Information about this library is incomplete; however, we do know that the first library started by 1838. A letter dated Feb 24th, 1838 by Sarnia's founder Malcom Cameron addressed to Sir Francis Bond Head, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada detailed a request for funding was not approved and after multiple failed petitions for government grants, the library was dissolved by the 1840s placing the fruits of knowledge back into private citizens and institutions.

Mechanics Institute

Originally developed in Great Britain in the early 1800's, the purpose of the mechanic institute was for the middle class to 'save' the lower class from moral decay by addressing the underlying class  and moral issues of society. The institute operated as a private educational facility that charged membership fees. With the fee paid, members could enjoy the various lectures, classes in the sciences, and the libraries.

Sarnia gained a Mechanics Institute in the 1850's garnering much criticism for being too exclusive and the majority of its members being inactive. By 1861, the institute dissolved and faded from existence until 1873 when it was revived over W.B. Clarks store on Front Street in Sarnia. Stronger interest in the institute afforded the reading room to be well stocked and continually accessed by members. However, once again, this organization dissolved in 1884 and most of the assets, including the books, were sold.

Bringing in the Public Library

On February 19th, 1886 a motion was passed by Sarnia Council to start the first Public Library in Sarnia. Two months later, the library opened to the public with little support from Sarnia Council and the community. By 1893, another motion was passed to abandon the library and house the books in the Town Hall. 

The Public Libraries Act in Ontario was passed in 1882 and locally , Dr. Archibald McLean took action to start another public library. As a result, Bylaw 519 was passed with majority support. On June 23rd, 1900 the Public Library opened in Kings Block with William Sweet as the first Librarian. After paying 5 cents to purchase a borrowers card, patrons had access to the 783 volumes of mostly fiction material. After criticism, membership fees were abolished in 1901 and the library was now free for all to enjoy.

Former Public Library Building 1902.

Library HQ

The Lambton County Libraries had its beginnings in 1931 when a group of people met in Sarnia to from a Lambton County Library Association with 14 member libraries. Then in 1946, the association became a Co-operative and moved to quarters in Wyoming. It used an empty classroom on the second floor of the Wyoming Public School.

With increased circulation and a new film service, headquarters sought expansion. In 1949, the new Library Headquarters was built, which is now the Wyoming Municipal Office. It remained in this location until 1991 when construction on a $2.2 million dollar headquarters began. By the grand opening in 1992, Library Headquarters held responsibility for 28 libraries in the county.