The Mansion As A Library
In accordance with William Reddick’s wishes as expressed in the 17th clause of his will, the Reddick Mansion became the library for the city of Ottawa, opening on September 19, 1888. For over 85 years, the Reddick Library housed Ottawa’s literary collection, and for some time, a natural history museum, thus serving the educational needs of the community.
The Mansion As A Library
The Reddick Mansion as a Public Library
Many changes were made during the period that the building was Ottawa’s library. Electricity, steam heat, and indoor plumbing were all installed. Stacks were added where needed, walls were removed, and some were added.
Initially, the first floor was home to the library’s caretaker, while the librarian lived on the third floor. In 1917, the first floor was renovated to house the library’s Children’s Department. Eventually, the third floor became home to the Reference Department.
The Reddick Library
In the 1970s, it became apparent that the library had outgrown its home at the Reddick Mansion. A new structure was built on reclaimed canal land several blocks west of the Mansion, but it retained its name: the Reddick Library. The library vacated the Mansion in the fall of 1975, at which point the Reddick Mansion Association took over the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the property.
Students Visiting The Library
Thousands of students visited the Reddick Library when it was housed in the Mansion. Pictured to the left is Lorraine McCallister, age 4, with her mother Joanne McCallister. The picture was taken for the newspaper in 1960 to advertise the Reddick Library’s annual summer reading program. Lorraine is currently serving as the president of the Reddick Mansion Association.
