The Acton and Georgetown libraries have historically served Esquesing Township. But the township made efforts to have their own library in the 1970s.

The Esquesing Public Library Board was established in January 1972 to qualify for provincial grants. These were then passed on to the libraries in Acton, Georgetown and Milton. In 1973, a book deposit opened in Stewarttown’s empty vault in the township hall. It opened in July with around 600 hundred books.

First customers at the new Esquesing Township Library, 1973. EHS28670, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

The library board and the book deposit were staffed by volunteers. It was open for a few hours on Mondays and Wednesdays. Board members had plans to hire a librarian. They also wanted to buy a “bookmobile” which would allow them to bring books and other material to the spread-out communities of the township.

Shelving books at the new Esquesing Public Library, 1973. EHS28673, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

Mrs. Joan Lister and Library Board Chair Mrs. Ruth Wilson at the new Esquesing Township Library, 1973. EHS28672, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

Before this could happen, the Esquesing Public Library Board merged with Georgetown’s and Acton’s in 1974. They formed the Halton Hills Public Library Board. The book deposit in Stewarttown’s hall was eventually closed.