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In May 2013 the New Westminster Public Library opened its first-ever branch in 148 years, in the revitalized Queensborough Community Centre. This branch will serve the needs of the community in Queensborough and provide them with convenient access to Library services alongside other great New Westminstser Parks, Culture, and Recreation facilities. The new Library also saw a dramatic increase in use, due to shifts in city demographics and the change from single family dwellings to apartments. By 1976 it again became apparent that the Library was not large enough to accommodate the number of members.
The tour also includes a First Shaughnessy mansion, a Kerrisdale Craftsman and several other lovingly restored and maintained heritage and character homes. The Library has many resources to help you find information on historical figures and residents of New Westminster. Library staff are also available to help you access our resources. Library use continued to increase and by the late 1940’s it was clear that a larger space was needed to house the ever-growing and popular library.
New Westminster Heritage House Tour
This charming home retains the original exterior wood cedar shakes, stone planters and leaded glass windows.
The Carnegie Corporation donated $15,000 for the library building on condition that the City of New Westminster would provide the site and a minimum of $1,500 per year to support it. This was readily agreed to and the cornerstone of the Library was laid on October 1st, 1902 in a ceremony attended by many New Westminster citizens. This situation existed from 1899 until 1901 when it was finally decided that the Library’s former Columbia Street site should be used for a new civic building. The City Hall and Police Department were to be housed on the main floor with the Library to be on the second floor. Only one month after the Great Fire, New Westminster residents were lobbying to open a new library.
Homes Tour Sponsors
After opening over 200 homes over the past 15 years we are excited to honour this milestone anniversary with a wonderful collection of pre-1940s homes. Photo reproductions must be requested through the New Westminster Museum and Archives. Please refer to the Archive’s Reproduction Request Form for proper photo attribution or to request photos. Click HERE to see the table of fees for reproduction services.
Renovation and expansion of the existing Library began in 1977 and included the addition of 17,800 square feet. After only a brief closure from August 6th to September 5th, 1978, the library officially re-opened October 21st, 1978. The New Westminster Public Library is a vibrant, modern library situated in the city of New Westminster (pop. 52,000), in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. However, it’s the whimsical and elegant design touches that surprise and please the eye as you enter the focal point of the house—the kitchen.
Heritage Conservation
On August 15th, 1865 the Library opened in the quarters of the former Mint where it remained until 1890. During the first two years of its existence, the Library was well funded by the government but by 1868 all government aid was withdrawn. The Library was forced to rely entirely upon subscriptions and limped along for the next 22 years. By 1890 the Mint building was in a terrible state of decay, which was particularly noticeable when compared with the many fine new buildings that were being built in New Westminster. Soon after it was completed however, the library’s space was required for civic administration and so the City began to investigate the possibility of obtaining money from the Carnegie Corporation. Andrew Carnegie was a wealthy philanthropist who, as a firm believer in the importance and value of a free public library, donated money to communities across the United States, parts of Canada and the United Kingdom, for the construction of libraries.
There are social, financial and environmental benefits to retaining heritage buildings in a community. First, heritage sites are a connection to the past and provide a sense of history and continuity. Heritage sites also tell the stories of who we are what we have experienced as a community, in addition to functioning as landmarks and having significant aesthetic value.
The old Mint building was demolished and following an architectural competition, work began on Architect G.W. Grant’s winning plan for a three-storey stone and brick building. Books were ordered from England and the new Library opened in 1892. The Library holds the distinction of being the first public library in the province of British Columbia. In 1865, New Westminster was the capital of the mainland colony of British Columbia, recently carved from the forest on the banks of the Fraser River by the Royal Engineers. When the Regiment disbanded, it donated its collection of books brought from England to create a public library for the City. At the same time, Queen Victoria offered a copy of her late husband Prince Albert’s speeches “to the public libraries of her more important colonies”.
Upstairs, 2 more bedrooms share a spa-like bathroom with a soaker tub and separate open concept shower & double sinks. Downstairs, a home office uses the space of the roughed in kitchen with insuite laundry, just past the 3-piece bathroom and flex space with a separate entrance. A tremendous amount of storage space rounds out the basement beyond the 2022 electric furnace and 2018 on-demand water heater. Outside an oasis back patio with a meandering stone path and water feature wraps around the 2014 built, heated double garage with water, 11’-14’ ceiling heights, power for a car charger and 2 integrated exteriors, roll up door, locking sheds. A 200 amp panel, heat pump, double and triple glazed windows, 2 piece guest bathroom off the foyer plus a second laundry, are just a few more details about this extraordinary home. Only a few blocks from the, under construction, Canada Games Pool, Queens Park & McBride Plaza.
The years in the Carnegie Library saw the development of the first consistent modern community services, accompanied by increased expectations of New Westminster residents. For the first time, professionally trained librarians were hired, the book stacks were opened to the public , and both Children’s and Reference Rooms were created. The first Library and Reading Room was established in 1865 through financial support from the colonial government and membership fees charged to the public.
In April, 2019 the Main Branch reopened after undergoing a 5.5 million dollar renovation that occurred in three phases over seventeen months. The New Westminster Public Library (est. 1865) is B.C.’s oldest library and is home to an impressive collection of genealogical and local history resources. Most resources do not circulate and are thus for in-library use only. A library card, driver’s license, or other ID may be required to use certain items. Step inside and tour 11 exquisite homes spanning seven decades of heritage artistry blended with modern day living.
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