What is a &ldquo\;Carnegie library&rdquo\;
and why was one built in Hespeler? Join historian Dr. Matthew Griffis as
he tells the story of Carnegie libraries and how they impacted the develop
ment of public libraries in Ontario in the early 20th century. Drawing on
years of research\, Griffis will explain why Carnegie libraries were built
in some locations but not others\, why some Carnegie libraries shared arc
hitectural similarities while others seemed more unique\, and why some Car
negie libraries have survived over a century of service while others have
been closed or demolished. The presentation will include many images of li
brary buildings from across Canada\, the United States\, and the United Ki
ngdom.
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About our Speaker
\nMat thew Griffis received his PhD in library and information science from West ern University in 2013. He specialized in the study of libraries as places \, particularly the origins and development of modern library building des igns. For over twenty years\, Griffis has maintained an interest in the hi story of Carnegie libraries and an enthusiasm for their preservation. He h as spoken on the subject previously at academic conferences and at public libraries in Ontario and the United States.
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Cost: Free