Welcome!

I’ve heard it said that “...communication is the essence of appreciation.” It is in this spirit that I present the inaugural edition of THE 1872 MEMO. 1872 was the year Ottawa established its public library. For 150 years the Ottawa Library has been a public asset serving all those who enter its doors.

Twelve years after incorporating as a city in 1860, Ottawa had its first library association. Andrew Carnegie was a great promoter and funder of public libraries. His foundation gave $15,000 in 1903 for a new Ottawa Library.

A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.”

-Andrew Carnegie

The 1872 Memo is provided to advance the cause of philanthropy in support of the Ottawa Library and as an expression of our thanks and gratitude to all those who support the library.