Atwater Library

The Atwater Library is a library building in Westmount featuring a symmetrical Beaux-Arts design with buff-colored brick, large arched windows, and limestone details. Inside, it holds roughly 40,000 items in its collection, mostly in English, offering reading spaces and resources for visitors to explore.

It was established in 1828 as Canada's first Mechanics' Institute, created to provide educational resources for industrial workers during Montreal's early growth. This foundation reflected a commitment to giving working people access to knowledge and practical skills.

The library serves as a gathering place for the community through its exhibitions, readings, and lectures that draw local visitors interested in learning and art. These events create a space where neighbors connect over shared intellectual interests.

The building is easy to reach on foot and sits in a quiet residential area, making it a pleasant place to visit. Visitors should note that opening hours vary by season and weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends if a quieter experience is preferred.

It remains the last operating Mechanics' Institute building in Canada still carrying out its original educational mission for the public. This rare quality makes it a distinctive place where the original purpose from nearly 200 years ago continues to shape daily operations.