Carnegie Library - Pembroke, Ontario
N 45° 49.539 W 077° 06.775
18T E 335879 N 5076847
The Carnegie Foundation provided $14,000 of the total $18,000 cost to build the library.
Waymark Code: WMYJXR
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 06/22/2018
Views: 2
Pembroke Public Library, a Carnegie Library, was designated an Ontario Heritage Property in 1991.
Construction of the library at 237 Victoria Street was completed in 1914. The architect was Francis Conroy Sullivan of Ottawa and a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The cost of the project was $18,000, $15,500 for construction and $2,500 for the land. The Carnegie Foundation provided a grant for $14,000, nearly the entire sum, but still Pembroke Council had differing opinions on whether this was a wise use of the community's funds.
Sullivan was a controversial figure. At one point, he advised the Town that if the librarian did not conform exactly to his plans that the librarian should be removed.
A number of modifications have been made to the library including a significant expansion to the rear of the building in 1967. In 1985 it became handicap accessible and in 1989 fundraising began to restore the chestnut woodworking.
The interior woodwork and the simple stained glass windows are additional features that helped to earn the historic designation.
A more detailed history, and interesting read, can be found at (
visit link)