Swansea Memorial Library
The Swansea Memorial Library is located in the main lobby of the Swansea Town Hall.
The Swansea Memorial Library is one of the smallest branches in the Toronto Public Library system. It was founded in 1919, as a memorial to the Swansea veterans (22 who died and 150 who returned) from World War I. It specializes in material for children and seniors, provides complete inter-library loan services and free wifi.
This library location offers Self-Service Open Hours which expands the hours of access at the library. For more information about how to register your card to access the library during self-service hours please speak to staff at Swansea Memorial or Runnymede Library.
For more information about how to register your card to access the library during self-service hours please speak to staff at Swansea Memorial or Runnymede Library.
History
The Swansea Memorial Library was founded in 1919, as a memorial to the Swansea veterans (22 who died and 150 who returned from service) from World War I. The library came into existence using funds held by the Women’s Patriotic League who wanted, “a memorial to our Swansea men who have seen active service in the Great War.” A Library Association was established and a Board of Directors elected, with Mrs. R. C. (Mary) Smith acting as its first president. On November 30th, 1919, Swansea Memorial Public Library officially opened.
As a result of the 1920, Public Library Act, in 1923, Swansea Memorial became a Free Library under the control of the Rural School Board. When Swansea was incorporated as a village in 1926, there was another reorganization of the Library Board. The new board consisted of seven members: three appointed by Village Council and three appointed by the School Board, with the Village Reeve being an ex-officio member.
By 1930, it was decided that attendance at the library warranted its opening five days a week. In 1933, a campaign was started to persuade the Village Council of the necessity for a library building. This matter was not resolved until 1959, when the library moved into its present location in what was then the Village Municipal Offices Building. The building was renovated and renamed Swansea Town Hall in 1993. Also in 1959, a new operation arrangement with the Toronto Public Library began.
The year 1961, saw the start of regular visits by classes from Swansea Public School (in order to be introduced to the atmosphere and use of the public libraries). In 1967, the Village of Swansea Memorial Library Board ceased to exist and management of the library was taken over by the Toronto Public Library Board.
The Swansea Memorial Library has evolved into a neighborhood branch with a friendly village vibe and atmosphere. Swansea Memorial Library, one of the smallest branches of the Toronto Public Library System, may never reach the size of other Toronto Public Library branches, but it has nonetheless won a it’s place in the heart of the community.
