The Atwater Library and Computer Centre (commonly referred to as the Atwater Library) is a not‑for‑profit community library and financial cooperative located at 1500 Atwater Avenue in the Westmount/Outremont area of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1828, it is the oldest public lending library in English‑speaking Canada and operates as a member of the Montreal Community Loan Association (MCLA), a financial co‑operative that provides micro‑loans and other economic development services.
History
- Establishment (1828): The library originated as part of the Montreal Mechanics' Institute, an organization created to promote adult education among working‑class citizens.
- Development: Over the 19th and early‑20th centuries the institution evolved, receiving support from local philanthropists and civic leaders. It acquired its present location on Atwater Avenue in the mid‑20th century.
- Re‑branding (2000s): The library expanded its mandate to include computer and technology training, rebranding as the Atwater Library and Computer Centre to reflect its broader community services.
Governance and Funding
The Atwater Library functions as a component of the Montreal Community Loan Association, a cooperative governed by a board of directors elected by its members. Funding sources include:
- Membership fees and library subscriptions
- Grants from municipal, provincial, and federal cultural agencies
- Rental income from event spaces and meeting rooms
- Revenue from computer training programmes and workshops
Services and Collections
Library Services
- Lending of books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and e‑resources
- Free public computer access, Wi‑Fi, and printing services
- Programming for children, youth, and adults, including literacy workshops, author talks, and cultural events
Financial Cooperative Services
- Small‑business micro‑loans and personal micro‑loans
- Financial education and credit‑building workshops
- Savings and loan products administered through the MCLA
Community Facilities
- Meeting rooms and event spaces available for rent
- Dedicated areas for study, collaborative work, and community gatherings
Architecture
The building combines historic architectural elements with modern renovations. The façade reflects early‑20th‑century commercial design, while interior spaces have been retrofitted to accommodate contemporary library technology and accessibility standards, including wheelchair‑accessible entrances and elevators.
Impact and Recognition
The Atwater Library has been recognized for its contributions to adult education, digital inclusion, and community development in Montreal. It collaborates with local schools, non‑profit organizations, and municipal agencies to deliver outreach programs aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting lifelong learning.
Affiliations
- Montreal Community Loan Association (MCLA)
- Canadian Federation of Library Associations
- Local cultural and educational networks within the City of Montreal
See also
- Mechanics' Institutes in Canada
- Public libraries in Quebec
- Community co‑operatives in Canada
References
Publicly available municipal records, historical archives of the Montreal Mechanics’ Institute, and publications by the Montreal Community Loan Association.