Service Update
Closed for approximately 3 years for reconstruction. The book drop is closed and all holds are transferred to the Barbara Frum branch.
A new pop-up at 4915 Bathurst Street (Finchurst Plaza) opens Monday, May 5. Hours of operation:
- Monday: 10 am – 8:30 pm
- Tuesday: 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Thursday: 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Image credit: Courtesy of McCallum Sather Architects Inc and Ken Fukushima Architecture
Centennial branch will be completely rebuilt and remain on the same site, in front of the Herbert H. Carnegie Arena. Toronto Public Library has retained Ken Fukushima Architecture jointly with McCallum Sather Architects Inc. to design the new branch. The branch will more than double in size from 6,869 sq. ft to 15,000 sq.ft. and will be Toronto Public Library’s first net zero branch.
About the renovation
The reconstruction and expansion of the branch will:
- revitalize all public service areas
- redesign the current floor layout to provide flexible spaces for collaboration including program space, meeting rooms and quiet study areas
- add expanded zones for adult, children and teens
- increase the number of washrooms and add a family friendly washroom
- create a new outdoor courtyard to extend the library space beyond the building
- create a community-gathering space, including an attractive plaza with seating, under a large, overhead canopy
- incorporate customer service improvements and efficient staff spaces
View hours and location of Centennial branch
Community consultations
In 2019, we kicked off the project with a public open house, focus groups and in-branch surveys. We also had conversations with City departments such as Parks, Forestry and Recreation. The design work was completed in 2020.
In 2021, we held another open house to share the design work:
View presentation from our Virtual Open House Meeting on February 10, 2021 (PDF)
Next steps
Construction fencing will be put up around the library construction site starting the week of September 30.
What to expect
The Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre and parking lot will remain open. Access to the Centre will be maintained throughout the construction period but the driveways will change to accommodate the construction and the new design of the library. During construction, vehicles will use the driveway on the far west side of the site for both entry and exit.
Work zone
Hoarding will be erected in the week of September 30 as shown in the diagram below. This image is the construction site plan for Centennial Library. Traffic and pedestrian signs will be placed to direct traffic flow.
Blue arrows: At the bottom of the image, blue arrows show the direction of traffic moving east and west along Finch Avenue West.
Green line: Shows the location of the construction fencing surrounding the library.
Red bar: Shows the location of the pedestrian route from Finch Avenue West sidewalk to the main entrance of the Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre.
Next to the pedestrian route on the left side of the plan is a single two-way driveway into the arena, also indicated by blue arrows show the direction of in/out traffic.
Purple boxes: These two boxes show the construction gate entrances. The yellow lines on the far left side of the plan show the tree protection zones.
For further information
- Email: Answerline at answerline@tpl.ca
- Call: Susan Martin, Senior Manager, Capital Project Planning and Implementation, Toronto Public Library, at 416-455-1536
Renderings
Group of renderings by STUDIO tla
We want to hear from you
We're interested in your ideas and opinions about the Centennial branch project. Tell us what you think!