Library Branches

The first library service in what is now called West Lincoln began as an Associate Library in Smithville around the year 1901. It had its beginning operating out of the back of a shoe store. The first order of books amounted to $199.55. Fiction books amounted to less than 20 percent of that first purchase. The library has moved many times since.

In 1970 with the inception of Regional Government, a Public Library Board was formed for the Township of West Lincoln. Smithville Public Library is the largest and the most centrally located of three libraries in West Lincoln Township.

Today Smithville Public Library is located in Smithville's Multi Use Recreational Facility. The library has hardcover and paperback books, magazines and pamphlets, literacy material, DVDs and children's books. In addition to that there are computers available for public access to the Internet.

The idea for the Wellandport Public Library was officially initiated by the Wellandport Women's Institute in September 1972. A letter from the Women's Institute was sent to the West Lincoln Council asking for a library to be established in the village of Wellandport.

With financial support from local organizations, a branch library of the West Lincoln Public Library was opened in the village of Wellandport in the Spring 1973.

Today, the Wellandport Public Library is part of the community centre in Wellandport. In 2017-18 it underwent renovations with the support of the Township of West Lincoln and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The renovated site is larger in size and features environmental and accessibility improvements.

The library has hardcover and paperback books, magazines and pamphlets, literacy material, DVDs and children's books. In addition to that there are computers available for public access to the Internet.

The Caistorville Womens Institute initiated a public library to serve local citizens in September 1964. It was situated on York Street with volunteer workers from the membership of the Womens Institute. After a successful three years in operation at that site, the library moved into a building on John Street.

As a centennial project Caistorville volunteers built the library on land donated by Wilfred Sharp and materials were donated by Slacks Lumber. An official opening was held in June 1967 and Womens Institute members continued to volunteer their services until 1969 when librarian Barbara Stolys was hired. In 1974, washroom facilities and a children's room were added.

Construction of the new Caistorville Public Library at 9549 York Street was completed in August 2006 and the grand opening was held in October. Furnishings were made possible by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The library has hardcover and paperback books, magazines and pamphlets, literacy material, DVDs and children's books. In addition to that there are computers available for public access to the Internet.