Although there was a reading room established on the main street of Perth in the 1800s, which featured current newspapers, books and periodicals, it wasn’t until the beginning of the twentieth century that a formal library building was constructed.
With the help of a large donation from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, along with municipal and private funds, a library was built and opened to the public on Dec. 30th,1907.
Andrew Carnegie 1835-1919
(Carnegie was a self-made steel tycoon, philanthropist, and one of the wealthiest people of his time. A great believer in the value of libraries, he donated money to build a total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries between 1883 and 1929)
“The Perth Courier”, Dec. 27, 1907, p.4
The Perth Library, in its early days – Ontario Archives
Perth received $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie, which was spent solely on the building. Money for furnishings and books had to be raised locally by donations.
“The Ottawa Citizen”, Oct. 28, 1907, pg. 12
The Perth Library was one of five libraries in Ontario that was built using grants from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Constructed from local rock and brick, the library was an impressive three story building gracing Gore Street near the Tay River canal.
No Smoking Rule – Jan. 1908
“The Perth Courier”, Jan. 3, 1908, p.4
The Perth Public Library, shortly after it was built, 1907
Catalogues Listing all books at the Perth Library – 15 cents each
“The Perth Courier”, Jan. 17, 1908 p.4
New Books Purchased in Feb. 1908
“Songs of a Sourdough”, by Robert Service
“The Fair Maid of Perth”, by Sir Walter Scott
“The Perth Courier”, Feb. 14, 1908, p. 1
One of the books purchased for the Perth Library in 1908
The Perth Library, 1970s
The Fire
At at 7:15 p.m on Thursday, January 3rd, 1980, flames tore through the building. It was said at the time that the fire likely began in the basement.
“Shaking their heads in disbelief, Perth’s residents, both young and old, gazed yesterday at the gutted remains of their historical public library.”
For over four hours a team of about 50 fire-fighters fought in freezing temperatures, and poured thousands of gallons of water into the building, through smashed windows and doorways.
Perth police constable, Bob Carnrite, said, “The cause of the fire is a mystery.”
Water soaked books smoldered in the gutted building and nothing could be saved. Over 62,000 books along with paintings, antiques, maps and historical documents were lost.
“The Perth Courier”, Jan. 9, 1980
Diana Cleland, head Librarian, said, “It’s almost impossible to place a value on the loss. It never ceased to amaze me the types and numbers of people who used the library. Some came in every day to read, or play records. To them, it was a meeting place.”
The Perth Courier”, Jan. 9, 1980
I recall the eerie sight of the building, familiar to so many of us, appeared like an ice castle because of the frigid temperatures, and the tremendous amount of water used to fight the fire.
“Every child is talking about it today.”, said Eve Dodge, Supervisor of the Perth Daycare Center. “Because of all the programs held there and their frequent contact, the library was a very important part of their lives.”
It was a devastating loss to the town of Perth having been one of the loveliest buildings on the main street for so many decades.
“For this town, the library was the heart of the community.”
It also meant job loss for Assistant Librarians, Susan Mackey, and Fay Cunningham.
“Ottawa Journal”, Jan 5, 1980
Artist, Dorothy Renals, said she felt sick about the fire. “I had a very personal feeling for that library. As an artist, I helped choose art books over the years and was in there at least twice a week to do research for my own paintings.”
Harold Jordan, Inspector withe the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office visited the site once the blaze was extinguished, and sifted through the ruins.
“I haven’t formed any conclusions yet”, Jordan said, “I’m considering every possibility. There are some indications the fire may have started in the basement, but I have no information at the moment which points the cause at anything other than accidental. Our minds are still open.”
The inspection showed that no fuses in the library had blown, and that the fire had started in the basement.
Secretary Treasurer, Ivey Mather, said, the investigation continues….
The Perth Public Library Board immediately began to find a temporary location for a public library.
The Board was offered space above the River Guild, and at St. James’ Hall, and even at the old Bell Telephone building.
“We could be back into circulation by next week.”, said Board Chairman, Bernard Elliot.
“The Perth Courier”, Jan. 9, 1980, p.2
Other local libraries donated books and these were housed temporarily in the basement of McMartin House, and plans were quickly put into place to establish a new library.
The present library, on the corner of Herriott and Drummond Streets, was opened on December 16th, 1981.
Photo: Lanark MPP Doug Wiseman cuts the ribbon. Library Board Members: Wes Barber, Bernard Elliot, and Ivy Mather.
The new building was constructed, at a total cost of $800,000.
(the original library in 1907 was built for $13,000)
“The Perth Courier”, Dec. 16, 1981, p. 1,
The ‘new’ Perth Library:
The ‘new’ Perth library is located at 30 Herriott St, Perth, Ontario – a beautiful setting, along the Tay River.
note: The original Perth Library building was purchased by G.W. McMillan, a local contractor, for $26,000. It has been beautifully restored, and is now known as the McMillan Building. On Jan. 27, 1981, the building was designated a ‘Heritage’ structure, by the province of Ontario.
The McMillan Building, Perth, Ontario, 2004
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That’s so sad about the fire. Where was the original building? I was living in Toronto until 1981.
The original library was at the corner of Gore St and Basin St. It was a great location, and not far for us to walk from the Perth High School. It was very shocking for us to see it in the days that followed the fire. The entire building was coated in heavy ice from the water that had been sprayed on it while they were fighting the fire. My friend’s cousin Harold Jordan was the Fire Chief in Perth at that time and his team of men did all they could, but were not able to save the building.