Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The New Dundee Public Library was established in 1900. It was organized through the efforts of Gottleib Bettschen, along with twelve other citizens. These people petitioned Wilmot Township Council on March 19, 1900 for a $50.00 grant. Township Council promised a grant of $25.00.
This first Library was located in a room at the rear of the store on Front Street built by Jacob Kriesel. Mr. Kriesel's two daughters, Addie and Nellie Kriesel, were the first Librarians. Mr. Bettschen was the first President of the Library with Alvin Clemens as Secretary and Amos Hilborn as Treasurer. After Herman Kavelman purchased the store in 1910, he succeeded his sisters-in-law as Librarian, and continued for 47 years.
Under the leadership of F.E. Page, the Library Board acquired a new location on South Street in 1961. They erected a 15 by 30 foot cement block building. The approximate cost was $4,100. This was raised through grants and public subscriptions. The new building opened on January 18, 1962.
The New Dundee Public Library became a branch of the Waterloo Regional Library in 1976. At that time it was relocated to the Comitz building on Queen Street. The first Librarians were Mrs. Jane Menkal and Mrs. Donna Snyder.
On January 3, 1985, the New Dundee Branch opened its doors at its current location, 136 Main Street. This location is in the centre of the village and near the site of the first Library.