Kitchener Public Library


The Kitchener Public Library is the public library system for the city of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It consists of five libraries; a large Central Library in the downtown core, with four Community Libraries spread out to provide services for the neighbourhoods of Kitchener.

History

The main branch of the Kitchener Public Library opened at 85 Queen Street in May 1962. The present library replaced the Berlin Public Library which originally opened in 1884 with a collection of 2,855 volumes on the first floor of the town hall. The Berlin Public Library was moved when it became a Carnegie library, opening on January 8, 1904, which was located at Queen and Weber. The Carnegie library was demolished following the opening of the new location in 1962.

Expansion

In 2010 the main branch underwent a $40 million 25,000-square-foot expansion. Completed in 2013, the project increased floor space by 30%, and made the entire building wheelchair accessible. Designed by Levitt Goodman Architects, the building was awarded a 2015 Library Architectural and Design Transformation award by the Ontario Library Association.
In 2015 the Kitchener Public Library became the first library in Canada to lend out internet Hotspots.

Services

The Kitchener Public Library system consists of a Central Library in the downtown core, and four Community Library locations throughout the City. The Central Library was completely renovated and expanded in 2014.
BranchFoundedPresent building openedAttached public facility
Central18841962 Standalone
Grand River Stanley Park19712002Grand River Collegiate Institute
Forest Heights19761976Forest Heights Community Pool; Forest Heights Collegiate Institute
Pioneer Park19821989Doon-Pioneer Park Community Centre
Country Hills20042004St. Mary's High School