The Prescott Public Library. located in Prescott, Ontario, was formed in 1895 and continues to serve Prescott residents. We offer traditional library services, programs, special events and community services. Follow us on Facebook to see all our upcoming events and activities!
Book Club: Once a month
Silent Book Club: Weekly
A free program for families: Explore the magic of books, songs, rhymes, and engage in fun activities promoting early literacy skills. For more information, call 1-866-433-8933 x 2374
Board games night for youth
Resources for all ages and interests
Baby Board Books, Picture books, Novels, Series, Graphic Novels,
Level 1, 2 & 3 Readers,
Learner Packs from Pre-k to Grade 3,
livres en français
Fiction, Novels, Series, Graphic Novels, Classic Literature, Non-fiction, Map Sacks, Sensory Totes for Neurodivergent Youth,
livres en français
Fiction, Non-fiction, Novels, Series,
Graphic Novels, Classic Literature,
livres en français
Search our online catalog and reserve online
Inter-Library Loans are free of charge from libraries across Ontario and from some Colleges/Universities
Access library e-books online with the Libby app.
Donations help the library create new programs and access new resources.
Free Park Passes are availble to our patrons.
Book drop off and pick up if you are unable to visit in person.
Assistance in filling out online forms (replacing a birth certificate, SIN card, renewing a health card or driver’s licence, etc. )
Meeting space is available for both large and small groups
The facilities of the Prescott Public library are free to all residents of the Town of Prescott. Resident memberships are renewable every 2 years, and immediate change of address and telephone number are requested.
Non-residents must pay membership fees (as posted) unless taxable property is owned in Prescott. Yearly fees are $40.00 per family, $25.00 per single membership, and $15.00 per student. Short-term memberships are also available.
Membership cards are NOT transferable and MUST be shown to Librarian when borrowing or renewing books. Lost cards must be replaced for $5.00 each.
Please note that e-membership is not available due to software limitations that affect all librairies in the consortium across Ontario.
Adults may borrow as many books as are consistent with their reading requirements for a period of 3 WEEKS at the discretion of the Librarian.
Children may borrow up to 3 books at one time for the same period. We reserve the right to limit the number of books borrowed on any given subject.
Audiobooks may be borrowed for the same period as books. Adult patrons (16 years of age and older) may borrow up to 3 tapes at one time.
DVDs may be borrowed by adult patrons (16 years of age and older) on their membership cards. Limit is 2 DVDs at one time per family. DVD borrowing is 2 days or next opening day, according to list below.
On or prior to their due date, renewals may be arranged on application to the Librarian as long as no other patron is waiting for said material.
Unless renewal arrangements have been made, borrowers retaining books beyond the date designated for their return are subject to OVERDUE CHARGES OF 25¢ PER BOOK FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN and $1.00 PER DAY PER DVD.
Books overdue more than 16 weeks are presumed lost. Loss or damage to books while on loan is the responsibility of the borrower (or if under age 16, his/her parents) and the cost of repair or replacement, at current cost, must be paid to the Librarian.
Please refer to The Prescott Public Library Acceptable Use Policy
TIMELINE
Pre-1864 - Union Library
1864 - Mechanics Institute
1895 - Prescott Public Library formed & adopted 30 rules & regulations
1912 - Expanded in Town Hall
1921 - Town Council votes to support public library
1961 - Moved from old Town Hall to new Municipal building
1974 - Expansion & renovation--air conditioned, Librarian's office
1997 - Children's room repainted including beautiful mural by Catherine Ring
2006 - Rejuvenation of the whole Library thanks to the generosity of the Prescott Community, expansion into the old gymnasium
HISTORY OF ANNUAL FEES
1880 - $1 per person
1895 - $0.50 per person
1999 - Non-residents pay a yearly membership fee of $30 per family, $22.50 per single membership, and $15 per student
2023 - Non-residents pay a yearly membership fee of $40 per family, $25 per single membership, and $15 per student
PAST LIBRARIANS
Miss Bella Murphy
Miss S. Tyner (served over 25 years)
Mrs. Gladys Scobie
Mrs. F. A. Wardrop
Mrs. Ann Steiner (served over 26 years)
Mrs. Jane McGuire (served over 31 years)
The Prescott Public Library is governed by a ten member board, including nine citizens and one council member. The board is appointed by the Town of Prescott Council and derives its jurisdiction from the Public Librairies Act.
Board Chair: Pat Lemaire
Directors:
Chief Librarian/CEO: Anne Gillard
Council Representative: Leanne Burton
The Board meets monthly in the Library Board Room.
Send us an email at Librairian@ PrescottPublicLibrary.ca or complete the following form:
