Kitchener Public Library
|
Central Library in downtown Kitchener | |
| Established | 1884 |
|---|---|
| Location | Kitchener, Ontario |
| Branches | 5 |
| Collection | |
| Items collected | business directories, phone books, maps, government publications, books, periodicals, genealogy, local history, |
| Size |
580,000 books 5,000 audiovisuals |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 2,000,000 |
| Population served | 200,000 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $9.2m |
| Director | Mary Chevreau |
| Website | http://www.kpl.org/ |
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. It replaced the Berlin Public Library, a Carnegie library located at Queen and Weber, which opened January 8, 1904 and was demolished following opening of the new location in 1962.[1]
Expansion
In 2010 the main branch underwent a $40 million expansion. Completed in 2013, the project increased floor space by 30%, and made the entire building wheelchair accessible.[2] Designed by Levitt Goodman Architects, the building was awarded a 2015 Library Architectural and Design Transformation award by the Ontario Library Association.[3]
Services
- Information and reference services
- Access to full text databases
- Community information
- Internet and computer access
- Free wifi at all locations
- Free wifi hotspots available to borrow
- Reader's advisory services
- Programs for children, youth and adults
- Live music performances
- Delivery to homebound individuals
- Interlibrary loan
- Free downloadable e-books
- Free downloadable audiobooks
- Free downloadable music
- Free livestream movies and TV programs
Branches
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.
| Branch | Founded | Present building opened | Attached public facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | 1884 | 1962 (expansion opened 2014) | Standalone |
| Grand River Stanley Park | 1971 | 2002 | Grand River Collegiate Institute |
| Forest Heights | 1976 | 1976 | Forest Heights Community Pool; Forest Heights Collegiate Institute |
| Pioneer Park | 1982 | 1989 | Doon-Pioneer Park Community Centre |
| Country Hills | 2004 | 2004 | St. Mary's High School |
See also
References
- ↑ Bushell, Gayle (2011). "Berlin (Kitchener) Carnegie Library". publish.uwo.ca. University of Western Ontario. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
- ↑ Pender, T (18 May 2011). "Kitchener library expansion underway". The Record. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
- ↑ "Building Award Winners". www.accessola.org. OLA. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
External links
Coordinates: 43°27′10″N 80°29′10″W / 43.4527°N 80.4861°W