HISTORY

The following information is taken from the book The History of Cardinal, Copyright 1999, and reprinted with the kind permission of the Cardinal History Book Committee, James E. Grant, Chairperson and Michael McCurrie, Co-Chairperson.

"... the present public library began in Cardinal as a mechanics' institute in the late 1880s, occupying the upper floor in the building at the northeast corner of Lewis and John Streets. Late, in order to qualify for a provincial grant, the institute became a Public Library and we believe that it was at this time that the library and reading room were moved to a large room on the ground floor of the Harbottle residence, at the southwest corner of Dundas and Waddell Streets, in the year 1896. the late Mrs. Thomas Harbottle was appointed librarian from that date until 1920, and her daughters acted in that capacity, as follows: Mrs. Georgian Harbottle - 1920-1930; Mr. H. J. Brindle - 1930-1941 and Mrs. Wm. J. Burchill - 1942-1946. Thus the Cardinal Public Library remained at the same location presided over by a member of the same family for a period of 50 years - indeed a notable record.

In May, 1946, G. Harbottle requested that the library room be vacated no later than September 1 and, following this, arrangements were made with the Canadian Corps to share their quarters in the Poaps building, on the site of which the present Railside Restaurant (formerly Jack's of Cardinal & MacDonald's of Cardinal) now stands. at that time Mrs. (Rev. E.D. Sexsmith was appointed librarian, which post she ably filled until her resignation in 1950. Mrs. Saxsmith laboured diligently to place the library on a sound basis and encouraged a keen interest among the younger readers. Following Mrs. Sexsmith's resignation, Mrs. Kent Knechtel was appointed with two junior girls as part time aides.

On January 1, 1951, the Canadian Corps vacated the shared room, leaving the public library as sole tenant. During the next two months the room was completely renovated and tastefully decorated by the Canada Starch Co., with new furniture added. Early in 1963, due to a fire in the premises and the general dilapidated condition of the building, the library was moved to a new location in the Dillon property on Bridge Street, opening to the public on April 29, 1963.
On March 3, 1967, Cardinal's Centennial Library was opened to the public. This new building is a monument to the tireless efforts of the library board, members of the council and various public supporters. The librarian in 1967 was Mrs. H. J. [Madge] Kennedy.

Since the library opened in 1967, residents have made donations for the purchase of furniture, shelving, carpeting and for other expenses.

In 1976, the Cardinal Library was listed as having the largest circulation in the province for a village its size. ... In 1992, the board felt the need to introduce large print books through the Inter-Library Loan System. It is a rotating system that is still being used at the present time. It was felt that the seniors would benefit the most from this but others would use it as well.

Generous donations have always been received from estates as well as funds from In Memoriam for the purchase of books. The library served[s] the community in various ways with displays of trophies, paintings, quilts and antiques of Cardinal's past. The first computer was given through a grant from the Ontario government. Through the generosity of the Cardinal Lions Club, Legion Branch 105, Best Foods, Casco and Cardinal Power, three additional computers were installed and are now in use. Many projects have been completed making the library more accessible and beneficial to the needs of the Cardinal people.

.In  November of 1996, for the celebration of 100 years, the board members held a Centennial tea in the Anglican Church Hall. Mr. Jim Jordan, MPP of Leeds & Grenville at the time, was in attendance and presented the library with a plaque from the Ontario Government. A painting was also given of the first Cardinal Library by local artist Betty Cook, and is on display at the library.

In February of 1999, all the books in the library were catalogued and programmed into the computer, and the Cardinal Library went on-line." As well in 2000 a new front counter was installed.   With the amalgamation of the municipalities of Cardinal and Edwardsburg, it was decided to maintain a separate library in Cardinal. The Friends of the Library, Cardinal Branch, has been a great support to the Library.

In February 2004, the Cardinal Library moved to 618 County Road 2, this larger site was vacated when the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal amalgamated and their administrated office moved to Spencerville.  This building is much larger and better able to accommodate  the increased usage. 6 computers with internet access are now available for patrons use.  Videos, books on tape and jigsaw puzzles have been added to the collection.