History

Establishment of the Mechanic’s Institute, committed to sharing information

First free public library opens in the Town Hall with newspapers, periodicals, and 3,000 books

Carnegie Foundation grants $15,000 for a new library building, plus more for furniture

Berlin Public Library opens on January 8

Mabel Dunham hired as the first professional librarian in charge of a library in Ontario; a pioneer in children’s services

Dunham introduces Children’s Story Hour

Separate Children’s room added to the library

Mabel Dunham retires, and Dorothy Shoemaker is appointed as Chief Librarian

Main Library (now Central Library) opens

Community library in Stanley Park opens

Lynn Matthews appointed as Chief Librarian

Forest Heights Library opens

Addition to Main Library, and introduction of first automated catalogue

Pioneer Park Library opens

Kitchener Public Library celebrates its 100th anniversary with the opening of the Grace Schmidt Room of Local History

Margaret Walshe appointed as CEO (formerly known as Chief Librarian); led the library through a time of rapid technological change

First public access computers at the library, paid for in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Country Hills Library opens

Sonia Lewis appointed as CEO

Official groundbreaking ceremony to begin Central Library renovation and expansion project

Central Library renovation and expansion completed

Mary Chevreau appointed as CEO

Official groundbreaking ceremony to begin the Southwest Library expansion project

Darren Solomon appointed as CEO