Although a private library, run by the Farmers and Mechanics Institute, existed since 1832, a public library did not open in Guelph until 1882, when the Free Libraries Act allowed municipalities to operate libraries.
After occupying premises near City Hall, it moved into an Andrew Carnegie-funded building in 1905.
The neo-classical (Beaux Art) structure, had been designed in 1902 by W. Frye Colwill.
The collection of the Farmers and Mechanics Institute library was contributed to the new library.

The current main library building of the Guelph Public Library, on Norfolk St. was opened in 1965.
Guelph is served by a growing library system composed of a main library located in the downtown core, five branches and a Bookmobile.
 With a membership of over 85,000, the Guelph Public Library system's goals include preserving and indexing public materials relating to the history of Guelph.
 Although no formal program has been developed, the library acquires municipal records of archival value from the City of Guelph.

A new library location has been discussed since 2018 as part of the redeveloped area downtown, known as the Baker District.
No decision had been made on the library as of January 2020.
The project, estimated at $67.1 million, was to be considered as part of the 2021 City budget which was expected to come to a vote in late 2020.
Although a private library, run by the Farmers and Mechanics Institute, existed since 1832, a public library did not open in Guelph until 1882, when the Free Libraries Act allowed municipalities to operate libraries. After occupying premises near City Hall, it moved into an Andrew Carnegie-funded building in 1905. The neo-classical (Beaux Art) structure, had been designed in 1902 by W. Frye Colwill. The collection of the Farmers and Mechanics Institute library was contributed to the new library.
The current main library building of the Guelph Public Library, on Norfolk St. was opened in 1965. Guelph is served by a growing library system composed of a main library located in the downtown core, five branches and a Bookmobile.  With a membership of over 85,000, the Guelph Public Library system's goals include preserving and indexing public materials relating to the history of Guelph.  Although no formal program has been developed, the library acquires municipal records of archival value from the City of Guelph.
A new library location has been discussed since 2018 as part of the redeveloped area downtown, known as the Baker District. No decision had been made on the library as of January 2020. The project, estimated at $67.1 million, was to be considered as part of the 2021 City budget which was expected to come to a vote in late 2020.
Guelph