The Atwater Library was founded in 1828 as the Montreal Mechanics' Institution, part of a progressive adult education movement that began in Scotland and England before governments funded schools or libraries. We have survived more than one pandemic, are still independent and own a beautiful 1919 heritage building which is a National Historic Site.

Our building functions as a hub of English-language community life for the Montreal region and Quebec more widely. We also do extensive outreach and collaborate with many community groups and educational institutions.

We use traditional and cutting-edge ways of fostering learning, creativity and discussion. 

Our library collection is almost all English-language for adults and in various formats. We have specialty collections including an Indigenous Collection, a Black Collection and a Scottish Collection.

In the early 1980s we set up a computer centre for the community and we've been promoting digital literacy ever since. Through a variety of activities, we connect people now underrepresented in the digital economy to a digital lifestyle, giving them the confidence and skills they need to use the internet for economic, social and personal gain.

We offer a variety of free English-language events online, in person and hybrid -- lectures, book talks, poetry readings, book discussions, writing and art-making workshops, film screenings, musical performances, workshops on digital technology, information sessions on personal finances and estate planning. Through online programming we have broadened our reach and are now working closely with English-speaking communities throughout Quebec.

During the pandemic close down, we completed major upgrades to our building: an elevator and accessible entrance, air conditioning, and auditorium enhancements. Our Adair Auditorium now has a multi-media system which is ideal for hybrid events.

Our users are wonderfully varied and include many striving to overcome challenges: seniors who are isolated and frustrated by digital technology, job seekers, people with chronic illness, refugee claimants staying at the Y Residence next door, and youth at risk of under-achieving.

The organization is a registered charity operating with a modest cash budget and is powered by volunteers and private donors.