MPL’s 170th Anniversary!

Milton Public Library celebrated its 170th anniversary on January 25th 2025, honoring a long legacy of community service since its founding as the Mechanics Institute and Library Association on January 24th 1855. Over the years, the library has transformed from a small rural library into a dynamic community hub with three branches, offering resources that span from traditional books to digital media, educational programs, and cultural events. This milestone reflects the library’s dedication to promoting literacy, learning, innovation, and connection within the Milton community, adapting to new challenges and evolving needs for nearly two centuries.

MPL Timeline

  • 1855

    Milton Public Library had its roots in the old Mechanics Institute and Library Association. The Mechanics Institute was an organization created in the late 18th century to provide education and entertainment for the working-man. Starting in England, it soon spread across the English-speaking world and in January 1855, members of the Milton community met to establish their own Mechanics Institute.

  • 1857

    In 1857 the Town of Milton was formally incorporated and an election was held to form a Town Council. In September 1857, Milton council permitted the Institute to use two small rooms adjoining the council chambers in Town Hall as a library reading room.

  • 1888

    By 1888, the Library was publishing an annual book catalogue which could be read in the library or purchased for 10 cents. This catalogue offered such edifying titles as Brigand Life in Italy, Anecdotal British Parliament, Animal Parasites and Messmates, and the works of H. Rider Haggard, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

  • 1901

    This short book listed all of the titles available to members of the Mechanics’ Institute of the Town of Milton.

  • 1952

    This is a clipping from The Canadian Champion recalling the founding of the library and some of the services offered at the time of the article’s publication in 1952.

  • 1964

    From 1964 to 1974, Milton Public Library was located at 264 Main St East.