Mississauga’s Central Library will become modern, spacious & connected through a major renovation

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Mississauga’s massive 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.

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 winter 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 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.”

KEY INFORMATION

  • ·         Central Library will close to the public on December 24, 2020 as it undergoes a two-year renovation to meet the growing needs of our customers.

  • ·         The renovation will move the library forward as an important part of an urban community that inspires literacy, creativity and lifelong learning.

  • ·         Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2021. The library will reopen in winter 2023.

  • ·          All five floors of public and staff space will be part of the transformation.

  • ·         This is the first major renovation of Central Library to take place since its opening in 1991.

 

KEY DATES

  • ·         December 24, 2020 – Central Library closes

  • ·         Early 2021 – Construction begins

  • ·         Early 2023 – Central Library reopens

 

RENOVATION HIGHLIGHTS

  • ·            Approximately 28,000 sq. ft. of public space will be added within the existing building.

  • ·         Approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of additional secondary space is planned for the fourth floor overlooking Celebration Square.

  • ·         Customers will be able to browse and borrow thousands of new books, DVDs, video games and much more.

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

  • ·         The new facility will meet AODA requirements to provide barrier-free access.

  • ·         Increased self-serve options and access to improved technology will be featured.

  • ·         Additional Makerspace and Maker elements will include sound and video studios, maker studio, digitization, digital creation and virtual reality capabilities.

  • ·         A new interactive and creative children’s space on the first floor will enable enhanced programming and gathering.

  • ·         Students will benefit from more single-use quiet spaces and multi-use rooms that will support a wide range of programming, meeting and study needs.

  • ·         An enhanced Open Window Hub will support homelessness outreach and prevention.

  • ·         Customers will have access to a new reflection room for prayer, meditation or quiet contemplation.

  • ·         The Glass Pavilion will become a flexible space equipped with computer and tablet technologies to accommodate after-hours research and study.

  • ·         An upgraded Breezeway will enable customers to vend physical materials, access digital collections and download library eBooks, movies and music, with holds lockers for picking up reserved materials after hours.

  • ·         The Noel Ryan auditorium will feature a modern, flexible space configuration, with updated technology for streaming and simulcasting.

  • ·         New and enhanced food services will be located on the main floor.

  • ·         A new public art installation will reflect the library as a City landmark.

  • ·         Total project budget is $42.8 million.

  • ·         Plans are currently underway for relocating staff, collections and programs.