The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) was established in 1998 through the amalgamation of the Kingston Public Library (which began as a 19th-century Mechanics Institute) and the Frontenac County Library, creating a 17-branch system. The KFPL serves the city of Kingston and Frontenac County in Ontario, Canada. The library regularly welcomes visitors from outside of this region.Kingston Frontenac Public Library. (n.d.). Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Retrieved January 20, 2010, from http://www.kfpl.ca/index_html The KFPL has a board made up of appointees and representatives from Kingston City Council and Frontenac County Council. The board operates using the Carver Model.
Services Information and reference services Community information Internet access Reader's advisory services Programs for children, youth and adults Delivery to homebound individuals Interlibrary loan Free downloadable audiobooks and e-books
History It was one of a series of Mechanics' Institutes that were set up around the world after becoming popular in Britain. It housed a subscription library that allowed members who paid a fee to borrow books. The Mechanics' Institutes libraries eventually became public libraries when the establishment of free libraries occurred.Harris, Michael. History Of Libraries In The Western World. 4th ed. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1995, p. 153. The Mechanics Institute in Kingston was founded in 1834; in 1895, the Kingston Public Library was established, making it one of the first public libraries in Canada.
Branches There are five branches within the city of Kingston and eleven branches throughout Frontenac County. The library branches include:
Arden Calvin Park Cataraqui Centre (temporary) Central (main branch) Cloyne Hartington Howe Island Isabel Turner (closed for renovations, re-opening Spring 2026) Mountain Grove Parham Pittsburgh Plevna Rideau Heights Sharbot Lake Storrington Sydenham Wolfe Island The KFPL also offers two mobile library locations. A mobile library offers a selection of books that can be borrowed with a KFPL membership. The two locations include:
Kingston Secondary School Kingston East Community Centre
See also Ontario Public Libraries
References
External links Kingston Frontenac Public Library Official City of Kingston Website Kingston Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society Website