1872

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In March, at an "upper room" meeting, Mrs. M. L. Ward and Mrs. Ruth Griffin proposed sharing the expense of purchasing books that could be shared for the enjoyment of all. In a short time, nine of the fifteen ladies present paid $1 each in dues.

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This first reading group named themselves Ottawa Reading Club and began meeting at Ottawa University. 

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In September of the same year, the reading club had grown and evolved, adopting the name the Ottawa Library Association.

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The first business meeting was held on October 1st, with fifty-seven ladies having paid dues.

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Founding Members:

• Mrs. M. L. Ward

• Mrs. Ruth Griffin

• Mrs. H. J. Smith

• Mrs. L. H. Holt

• Mrs. E. E. Fuller

• Mrs. Asa Lathrop

• Mrs. H. H. Ludington

• Mrs. Delia Norris

• Miss Lucy Hatch

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1878

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State Senator J. P. Harris secured legislation authorizing a one-mill tax for the support of the library.

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1902

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In response to solicitations by Mrs. R. A. Wasson and Mrs. R. S. Black, American Industrialist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie pledged $15,000 towards the erection of a free public library​.

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The City of Ottawa Pledged $1,500 annually for the maintenance of the library, the stockholders and owners transferred all property to the Ottawa Free Library and it became tax-supported.

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Ottawa Architect, George P. Washburn, was tapped to prepare the plans for the Carnegie Library.

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