The Guelph Public Library is preparing for its final chapter at the Main Library this fall before moving to the new Central Library in early 2027. Patrons and community members are invited to take part in Farewell to Main events, with a series of programs, never-before-done tours, exhibits, and memory-sharing moments celebrating the current building's 60-year legacy.
Farewell events will kick off on Saturday, October 17 at 11:30 a.m. with a performance by The Funky Mamas, a local children’s band that got their start at the Main Library. Crafts, storytimes, and glitter tattoos will be available for all participants.
The Farewell to Main celebration starts at 2 p.m. on the first floor, where Dan Atkins, Library CEO, will open the 1965 time capsule installed in the building’s cornerstone during construction. Participants will be invited to stay for a tour of the Main Library, including some of our behind-the-scenes spaces.
On the second-floor landing, local playwright Deanna Kruger will run a memory sharing exercise with writing prompts and colouring activities for all ages starting at 12:30 p.m., where visitors can share what the Main Library has meant to them through the years. Participants can choose to enter the recording booth and record stories about the Main Library in the Boardroom from 1 to 4:30 p.m. with help from Makerspace staff. These recordings will be included in the new time capsule and archives at the new Central Library.
Those who can't make it to the October 17 event can record their memories at the Makerspace located at Westminster Square Branch on Tuesdays from October 20 to November 10 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. or Saturdays from October 24 to November 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sign up for a slot in person, or call ahead to see what's available.
"Every resident has their own story about the Main Library," says Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service. "Whether it was attending a children's program, studying for school, checking out a favourite book, or meeting friends, these shared experiences are part of the Library's history. We hope community members will help us preserve those stories for future generations."
Tours of the Main Library will follow a new format starting in November, which will be offered on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings for adults, and Tuesdays during the day for school classrooms. These tours will focus on the history of the building, historic moments, and include behind-the-scenes access to some of the Library’s staff areas.
Additional retro-themed programs celebrating the Library through the decades will also take place throughout the fall. For a complete list of programs and events, visit guelphpl.ca/events and search “farewell to main” in the events calendar.
Media contact
Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service
Guelph Public Library
548-855-0407
mforestell@guelphpl.ca