Today was a big day at the Ottawa Library. The first of several activities and events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Library. All day today the library gave away cupcakes, 150 of them, to commemorate the anniversary. There were dozens of balloon giveaways and prizes throughout the day. Library officials say they will be holding several events in the coming months that coincide with the 150 years they have been serving the people of Ottawa.
The Library was founded in March of 1872, by the Ottawa Ladies Reading Club. In 1902, Andrew Carnegie offered $15,000 to build a library building and the City pledged $1,500 annually for maintenance. That building, in City Park now, houses the Ottawa Community Arts Council. During the Summer of 1996, the Ottawa Library moved to its current location with City Hall. The main collection is in the basement and reference material upstairs. The library has outgrown its current location and fundraisers are underway for a new building. They purchased property at the corner of 15th and Elm for the future project.
