It is designed to educate the public about the historic contribution and present-day culture of local English-speakers.

The centre contains the private English-language library of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, heritage spaces for events, and interpretation services.

The Library is the repository of the LHSQ's collection of historical documents, including copies of the society's journal, Transactions.

These documents include original, scientific, historical, and literary articles from the nineteenth century, as well as reprints of older historical primary sources found in archives around the world.

[2] It is located in a former prison building that has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.