Belleville Public Library

Location

The Beginnings

A Mechanics’ Institute operated from 1851 to 1859, but closed due to lack of financial support. Library service in Belleville officially began in November 1876 with the establishment of the "Mechanics’ Institute and Library Association". The name was changed in 1895 to the Belleville Public Library, in accordance with the new provincial Act Respecting Public Libraries.

In 1903, the City passed the first by-law for the operation of the Belleville Public Library, for that year. New by-laws were passed each year thereafter until 1908 when the by-law establishing on-going library operations was passed.

The Buildings

The location of the Library prior to 1908 is not definitely known, but was thought to be in rooms on Campbell Street. Senator and Mrs. Henry Corby purchased the Merchants Bank of Canada property, remodelled it to serve as a library, and presented it to the City in 1908 "for the use of the citizens of the City of Belleville for their sole and only use forever as a free public library".

The East Branch Library operated from 1964 to 2002. The old building, with three additions constructed in 1959, 1968 and 1973, also known as the Corby Library was closed on April 27, 2006. The current library, located on 254 Pinnacle Street, has been serving the public since May 27, 2006.

The Historical Highlights

1917 - Senator Corby bequeathed a trust fund of $20,000 to the Library
1928 - Angus Mowat hired as Chief Librarian. He served from January 1928 to December 1929, and his family, including son Farley Mowat, lived in the apartment above the Library.
1934 - Olive Delaney hired. Miss Delaney was promoted to Chief Librarian in 1942 and served until her retirement in 1979.

Statement of Core Values

Quality Service:

We are committed to providing the highest possible quality service.

Equitable Access:

We are committed to providing open and equitable access to all Belleville citizens regardless of race, religion, age or ability.

Respectful Relationships:

We are committed to creating an environment and forging relationships with all our stakeholders based on mutual respect, trust and integrity. This includes developing an organizational culture based on open communication, teamwork and cooperation and that fosters creativity, recognizes staff contributions and achievements and actively supports the Library as a learning organization committed to ensuring that staff, volunteers, Board members and other contributors have the skills necessary to provide quality services and programs.

Community Engagement:

We will actively engage the community and work collaboratively with other community service providers in order to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the quality of life in our community and maximize the Library’s resources and programs.

Leadership and Innovation:

We will develop and deliver an innovative and diverse menu of quality, up-to-date resources that respond to the ever-evolving needs of our community.

Fiscal Responsibility/Accountability:

We will operate on the basis of fiscal responsibility and accountability to our stakeholders.

Privacy & Confidentiality:

We respect individual privacy and confidentiality of personal information.

Intellectual Freedom:

We support intellectual freedom and encourage diversity and freedom of speech within an environment of tolerance and respect. We oppose censorship, and will not include hate literature in our collections.

Literacy:

We are committed to the support and promotion of literacy for all people.

Vision Statement:

The Belleville Public Library and Art Gallery: Your accessible link with the world, providing opportunities for personal inspiration, enrichment, and recreation in a welcoming environment.

Mission Statement:

Through community partnerships and in response to an evolving social, cultural and economic environment, the Belleville Public Library and Art Gallery provides equitable access to information and creative expression.

The Belleville Public Library Board welcomes public input as we continue the planning process by detailing the activities and time frame required to achieve these goals and ensure quality public library service.