NORTH HATLEY LIBRARY

By the community, for the community,
since 1896

The North Hatley Library Association acknowledges that our library sits on the unceded ancestral territory of the W8banaki Nation (Abenaki), the Ndakina. Books connect us with our past, present and future: they allow us to hear all voices and histories to guide us on the path of reconciliation.

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Friday 10am-12:30pm
  • Wednesday evening 5:30-7:30pm
  • Thursday 3-5pm
  • Saturday 10am-3pm

Fun facts about our Library

12,285

English Books

6425

French Books

475

Members

$30

Cost per family

About

The Library is owned and operated by the North Hatley Library Association, a registered charitable organization. The earliest records of the Library show that it was active prior to 1898. Without financial support from any level of government for 125 years, the generosity of the community allowed it to establish and expand its attractive building and its extensive collection. Since 1986, some government projects have allowed the Library to purchase equipment and to hire a student in the summer.

The Library’s collection consists of 18 000 titles, 6 000 of which are for young readers. Although the budget for new books is limited, every effort is made to meet the needs of members with the best of current fiction and non-fiction, as well as the classics. Members’ requests and suggestions are always considered very seriously.

Other services offered by the Library include art exhibits, story hour for children in summer, visits of authors, trips to visit art exhibitions, poetry readings, large print books and inter-library loan. One computer is also available for members as well as wireless high-speed access to the internet.

Library Membership

Single Membership
$25 / year

  • Full library access
  • Free computer use
  • Free WiFi

Family Membership
$30 / year

  • Valid for 2 adults and their children
  • Full library access
  • Free computer use
  • Free WiFi

The library is my gallery!

I am one of the lucky artists to have had the privilege of exhibiting at the library for many years. The gallery space is bright and welcoming and a wonderful community venue. Everyone looks forward to the solo artists, the shows of found art and the popular Christmas sale.
Naisi
Artist

The library is an ark that saves us from shipwreck in the shallows.

With paper books becoming an endangered species, we need to preserve the physical presence of knowledge, culture, and art in our lives, lest they disappear or are distorted at the click of a button. Libraries that safeguard paper books and local traditions are some of the institutions we can least afford to lose, and as a beacon of living culture, the North Hatley Library shines brighter than most.
Anne
Writer

I’m home when I’ve been to the library

The library was the best place to be when I was a kid! I would spend hours reading adventure books and making friends. The puppets and Easter egg crafts are childhood treasures!
Camille
Student

The library is a key part of my community life.

I love walking along Main Street and coming upon the library! It is our local, literary sanctuary that also hosts craft shows, author book launches & readings, musical events and kids reading circles.
Bill
Volunteer