History

In 1860, he built one of the most impressive Italianate residences in the state. Upon his death in 1885, he willed his fine home to the City of Ottawa, together with a substantial endowment, for use as a public library and reading room "... to be known and called by the name of Reddick's Library."

The library offered its services from the mansion until February 17,1975, when a new facility was built to accommodate the library's growing collections and patronage.

Through a November 2006 referendum, Reddick Library's service area was expanded to include most of the Ottawa Township High School taxing district. Click on the attachment below to view the district map.

Reddick Library offers a broad selection of materials in a variety of formats and an ever-growing array of traditional and non-traditional programs and services for patrons of all ages. With the ongoing support of the public it serves, it seems that William Reddick's wish to have a library that shall "... ever be open to the public" has indeed found expression.