Modern, Spacious and Connected – Mississauga’s Central Library to Undergo Major Renovation

Central Library is set to undergo a major renovation to meet the growing needs of its customers. When completed, the renovation will move the library forward as an important part of an increasingly urban community.

“A dynamic, modern downtown Mississauga is emerging. The new Central Library will play a significant role in the transformation of our City’s urban core,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “It will act as a community hub and gathering space that will facilitate learning and spark opportunity for the thousands of people who live, work and go to school in the downtown area and beyond.”

The library is set to close to the public on December 24, 2020. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021, with completion expected in late 2022. The library will reopen to the public in early 2023.

“Great things are happening in Downtown Mississauga. I am excited to see the Central Library transform into a modern space that welcomes all,” said Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4 Councillor and Library Board Member. “As the downtown evolves into a vibrant urban community, the new library will meet the needs of over one million customers who come every year to read, enjoy a program, learn a skill or borrow a laptop or hotspot to help with a job search or study for school.”

All five floors of public and staff space, including the Glass Pavilion, Breezeway and the Noel Ryan Auditorium will be part of the renovation.

The renovation will add approximately 28,000 sq. ft. of public space to the existing building. An additional 6,000 sq. ft. of secondary space on the fourth floor overlooking Celebration Square is planned.

The new facility will meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements to provide barrier-free access. It will also feature more self-serve options and access to enhanced technology including a new Makerspace with sound and video studios, maker studio, digitization, digital creation and virtual reality capabilities.  A teaching kitchen, reflection room and rooftop terraces are some of the other new features, along with an enhanced Open Window Hub, Children’s area, study spaces and improved food services. 

“This is the first large-scale renovation of Central Library to take place since its opening in 1991,” said Lori Kelly, Director, Mississauga Library. “We are providing early notification of the closure now, and will provide updates over the course of the year as more details become available. We look forward to bringing a bigger and brighter facility to Mississauga residents, and encourage everyone to share their ideas on how they will use the new space.”

Plans are underway to temporarily relocate collections, programs and activities while the Central Library is closed. Regular updates will be available on the website. Residents are encouraged to visit the website to have their say on what they would like to see as the new Central Library takes shape.

For more information:

• Fact Sheet
• Backgrounder
• Visit mississaugalibrary.ca/reno
• Follow Mississauga Library on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Tags

• Arts and Culture
• Libraries