Niagara-on-the-Lake in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Niagara Library
Photographed by Kevin Westell, June 2, 2025
1. The Niagara Library Marker
Inscription.
The Niagara Library. . On June 8, 1800, the Niagara Library, the first circulating library in Upper Canada, was established "to diffuse knowledge" among area subscribers. Financed by this group, library services were begun in 1801 with some 80 works for circulation, many on religion and history. Under the management of Andrew Heron, a merchant, the collection was steadily enlarged, and in 1805 the books of the Niagara Agricultural Society were added. The library operated successfully until the occupation of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) by American forces in 1813, when numerous volumes were lost. By 1818 financial support for the library had seriously declined, and in 1820 the holdings were incorporated in a new subscription library, begun two years earlier by Heron, then a publisher and book-seller.
On June 8, 1800, the Niagara Library, the first circulating
library in Upper Canada, was established "to diffuse knowledge" among area subscribers. Financed by this group, library
services were begun in 1801 with some 80 works for circulation, many on religion and history. Under the management
of Andrew Heron, a merchant, the collection was steadily enlarged, and in 1805 the books of the Niagara Agricultural
Society were added. The library operated successfully until the
occupation of Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) by American forces
in 1813, when numerous volumes were lost. By 1818 financial
support for the library had seriously declined, and in 1820 the
holdings were incorporated in a new subscription library, begun two years earlier by Heron, then a publisher and book-seller.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 1800.
Location. 43° 14.863′ N, 79° 5.195′ W. Marker is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,
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in Niagara Region. It is on Anderson Lane, on the right when traveling east. This blue plaque is on a post in front of the library entrance, on the right as you enter. It is visible from the bend in Anderson Lane in front of the library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
The plaque is visible immediately in front of the wall of glass windows, right of the main entrance and bike rack, and left of the big street number "10".
Another marker is no longer nearby. Negro Burial Ground (was approx. half a kilometer away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This blue plaque was previously located in front of the previous town library, at 43 Castlereigh. After this new library opened, it was briefly located beside the sidewalk left of this library entrance, in line with the daycare.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
