History of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library
A History of Connection
The story of public library service in Lansdowne is one of steady growth and community dedication. What began as a modest mobile library site under Eastern Ontario Library Services has evolved into the heart of our regional system.
In its early days, the library found a home in the town’s old egg grading station before moving to the local school. Recognizing the growing need for dedicated resources, Council moved to establish an independent municipal library service in 1974. This vision came to life in 1979 with the opening of the Front of Leeds and Lansdowne Public Library within the new community building.
Evolution and Leadership
Following the municipal amalgamation in 2001, the library's role expanded significantly. Today, the Lansdowne branch proudly serves as the main administrative hub for the three-branch Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library system, coordinating services that connect our entire community.
Our Branches
Lansdowne
The Lansdowne branch has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a mobile stop for Eastern Ontario Library Services. After stints in the town’s old egg grading station and the local school, a new era began in 1974 when Council moved to establish a dedicated township service.
By 1979, the Front of Leeds and Lansdowne Public Library officially opened its doors in the community building. Following the 2001 amalgamation, the Lansdowne branch evolved yet again—it now serves as the main administration centre for the four branches of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library.
Seeley’s Bay
From its humble beginnings in a repurposed laundromat, the Seeley’s Bay Branch has grown into a community landmark. In 1985, thanks to the generous land and building donation from Ralph and Helen Sweet, the library moved to its current home—a milestone celebrated by the community Helen worked so hard to serve.
After joining the Rideau Lakes Union Library in 1975, the branch officially became part of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library system in 2001. Today, we continue the legacy of service established by our founding committees and dedicated past librarians, including Hilda Simpson, Anne Redish, and Susie Allen.
Visit us today to explore a space built by the community, for the community!
Lyndhurst
Since 1971, the Lyndhurst Branch has been a resilient heart of our community. After years of traveling between a conservation hall, a bookmobile, and a long-term storefront, the library found its permanent home in a beautifully renovated historic church in October 1999.
Originally one of the "original six" branches of the Rideau Lakes Union Library, we officially joined the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library system in 2001. Today, we continue to bridge our rich heritage with a modern commitment to lifelong learning.
Escott
Established on December 15, 1973, the Escott Public Library originally operated out of the Front of Escott school before moving to Springfield House in 1981. In 2001, it integrated into the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library system.
While the library branch is no longer in service, the legacy of the area is preserved in a small museum located on the upper floors of Springfield House.
Museum Visits: Access is available by appointment only. Please contact the Municipal Heritage Committee to arrange a tour.
LTI Archives
The Leeds & the Thousand Islands Archives is a partnership between the Leeds & 1000 Islands Historical Society, Municipal Heritage Committee, and Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library. Our mandate is to acquire, preserve, promote and make available the historical record of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
We are currently located in a trailer next to the building while renovations are underway.
Archive Services & Research
Our collections include the Archives of the former Township of the Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne, the former Township of Escott, and the Leeds & 1000 Islands Historical Society (representing the former Township of the Front of Leeds and Lansdowne).
The Archives can be used for local history and genealogy research, as well as research for historical tours and more! Our collections include a wide variety of fascinating materials about our community-letters, diaries, municipal documents, maps, drawings, postcards, and photographs.