Saint John Free Public Library facts for kids

The Saint John Free Public Library opened in 1883. It was the first library in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, that was supported by taxes. This is why "Free" is part of its name. It meant anyone could use it without paying a fee.

This library has three locations. The main branch is in the Market Square complex. The East Branch is in the Saint John Transit Building. The West Branch is in Lancaster Mall. All these libraries are part of the Fundy Library Region. The main office for this region is also in Market Square.

What Can You Do at the Library?

The Saint John Free Public Library offers many cool services. Here are some things you can do:

• Get help finding information and answers to your questions.
• Access online databases with lots of articles and facts.
• Find information about local community events and groups.
• Use the internet for free.
• Get suggestions for new books to read.
• Join fun programs for kids, teens, and adults.
• If you can't leave your home, the library can deliver books to you.
• Borrow books from other libraries through a special loan system.
• Download free audiobooks to listen to.

A Look Back: The Library's History

The idea for the Saint John Free Public Library started a long time ago. It grew from a place called the St. John Mechanics' Institute. These institutes were popular worldwide. They had libraries where members paid a fee to borrow books. Over time, these fee-based libraries became free public libraries.

Key Dates in Library History

• 1811: Saint John's very first library opened. You had to pay a fee to use its books.
• 1874: People started planning for a free public library. This idea came from the head of the Mechanics’ Institute.
• 1877: A huge fire in Saint John put the library plans on hold.
• 1879: Colonel James Domville helped get new books. These books were for the public library. They replaced the ones lost in the fire.
• 1883: The Saint John Free Public Library opened. It was Canada's first tax-supported public library. It was located in the City Market on Charlotte Street.
• 1885: The library moved to the Masonic Temple building. It stayed there for 19 years.
• 1904: A new library building opened on Hazen Avenue. This was possible because Andrew Carnegie, a kind person from America, donated $50,000.
• 1912: The library started using a card catalog. This helped people find books easily.
• 1915: Special story times for children began.
• 1967: The West Branch opened in Lancaster Mall.
• 1968: The East Branch opened in the Loch Lomond Mall.
• 1975: The East Branch moved to Westmorland Place.
• 1983: The main library moved to its current home. This is the Market Square complex by the harbor.
• 1998: The library started using computers to check books in and out.
• 2000: The Millennium Artplace opened in the library's main area.

What Can You Find in the Library's Collections?

The library has a huge variety of items for everyone.

• Reading Materials: You can find bestsellers, large print books, and audiobooks. There are also music CDs, DVDs, and videos for all ages. You can read magazines and use language learning kits. The library also has books for adults learning to read. There are special "talking books" for people who can't see well or have physical challenges. Braille books are available for children.
• Saint John Newspapers: You can read old newspapers from the late 1700s. They are saved on microfilm.
• Programs for Kids: The library offers fun programs like "Babies in the Library" and "Toddlertime." There's also "Preschool Storytime" and "Family Drop-in" events.
• Adult Programs: Adults can take computer courses and get help with research. They can also learn about their family history.
• Meinhardt Reading Room: This is a quiet and cozy place to read inside the library.
• New Readers’ Area: This section has books for different reading levels. It's great for adults learning to read or students learning English.
• House of Languages: Here you can find books in 11 different languages. These include French, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish.
• Teen Zone D’Ados: This is a special area just for teens. It has books, computers, and a comfy spot to hang out.
• Special Collections Room: This room looks like a fancy 19th-century room. It holds over 9,000 unique items. These items tell the story of Saint John's early days.
• Barbara Ring Art Collection: This collection features more than 30 original artworks. All these pieces are from artists in the Atlantic provinces.

Library Locations

• Central Library: 1 Market Square, Saint John, N.B. E2L 4Z6
• East Branch: 55 McDonald Street, Saint John, N.B. E2J 0C7
• West Branch: 621 Fairville Blvd. Saint John, N.B. E2M 4X5

Images for kids

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  Exterior view of the library

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  The Special Collections Room