1900's because in December 2003 a book about Sir Isaac Brock was returned 94 years late - the due date was December 23rd, 1909. The story made headlines across Canada.There was a 30–40 year hiatus when there was no library in Mallorytown. The present library was founded in 1975 and opened in the old store on Quabbin Road (across from the railway tracks and now converted into apartments). Jenny Koerber was the librarian.
the present public library began in Cardinal as a mechanics' institute in the late 1880s, occupying the upper floor in the building at the northeast corner of Lewis and John Streets. Late, in order to qualify for a provincial grant, the institute became a Public Library and we believe that it was at this time that the library and reading room were moved to a large room on the ground floor of the Harbottle residence, at the southwest corner of Dundas and Waddell Streets, in the year 1896.