Pre-Confederation Public Libraries in Canada West/Ontario

Presentation Outline

[1] "Public libraries" before 1850: social libraries for various memberships

[1] "Public libraries" prior to 1850: school libraries

[2] Charles Duncombe, 1792-1867

[2] Egerton Ryerson, 1803-82

[2] Political features of Ryerson's public libraries in Common School Act, 1850

[2] Ryerson's libraries: general features, 1853-75

[2] Public Libraries in urban places, Canada West, 1862

[2] Mechanics' Institutes and Library Associations, 1851-58

[2] Mechanics' Institutes and Library Associations, 1858-68

[2] Growth of public libraries, 1847-75

[2] Depository books issued to libraries, 1853-75

[3] William Henry Boulton (1812-74)

[3] Alexander Morris (1826-89)

[3] Liberal-democratic ideas about local-central government in the two bills

[3] Changing "public library" concepts and conditions prior to 1875

[3] Liberal-democratic ideas on local governance in the two free library bills

[4] Success or failure? Ryerson's public library system

[4] Success or failure? Mechanics' Institutes and Library Associations

[4] Conclusion: historical issues and further research

[4] Conclusion: historical issues and further research