Uxbridge Public Library Celebrates New Improvements

One of Uxbridge’s most iconic landmarks, the Uxbridge Public Library, originally built in 1887, has recently undergone significant restoration work to preserve its historic charm. To mark the occasion, the library hosted a special celebration, inviting residents and visitors to explore the newly restored features.

A standout feature of the library is its historic Clock Tower, which has been keeping time for over 135 years. The original clock, purchased in 1887 for $315 from Seth Thomas Clocks and Movements, has remained in operation ever since. While the clock mechanism continued working, the hands and the machinery controlling them required careful refurbishment. The new hands were custom-made by an expert in Grimsby, Ontario, one of the few remaining professionals with the skills needed for this kind of complex heritage work.

In addition to the clock restoration, the Millennial Chimes, which were installed in 1999 to ring in the new millennium, have been replaced with a new system. In 2025, an anonymous donor came forward with an offer to purchase a new carillon for the community once the clock repairs were completed. Remarkably, the same individual who installed the original chimes in 1999 also installed the new system this year.

“This restoration is more than just a renovation. It is a celebration of Uxbridge’s heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit,” said Councillor Zed Pickering, Library Board Council Representative. “We are proud to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.”