York Mechanics' Institute 1830-1882

1830

Alan L Brown

Text from the plaque

The Mechanics' Institute movement began in Britain and soon spread to North America. Its aim was to teach workers the applied technology behind new methods of manufacture and craftsmanship introduced during the Industrial Revolution. The first Institute in Ontario was established at York (Toronto) in 1830. It sponsored lectures, held classes and operated a lending library. It moved from rented quarters into its own new building on this site in 1861. After passage of the Free Libraries Act in 1882, the Institute transferred its assets to the municipal government. Its book collections formed the foundation of the Toronto Public Library, which opened in the former Institute building in 1884.

Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.

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The City of Toronto On the NE corner of Church Street and Adelaide Street East

Also recorded for this place: The City of Toronto