$43-million renovated central library offers 175,000 books, other items to Mississauga residents

Visitors to Mississauga’s newly renovated central library will have access to more than 175,000 books, DVDs and other items when the “state-of-the-art” facility reopens to the public in December in the downtown core.

That’s the word from City of Mississauga library officials who’ll update councillors next Wednesday on the latest details about the $42.8-million Hazel McCallion Central Library.

The library has been closed for major renovations for more than two years in order to “meet the growing needs of our customers,” library officials say, adding the new-look facility promises to inspire “literacy, creativity and lifelong learning.”

December’s “partial opening” will be followed by a grand opening on Feb. 3, 2024.

The library, renamed in February 2021 to honour the late mayor on her 100th birthday, has been closed since March 2021 when renovations began.

Officials say the dramatically reimagined facility promises to make a big splash when it reopens.

“The renovation will move the library forward as an important part of an urban community that inspires literacy, creativity and lifelong learning,” City officials said in an earlier project update.

All five floors of public and staff space, including the Glass Pavilion, Breezeway and the Noel Ryan Auditorium, have been renovated.

The major project, which includes plans for a fourth-floor sky lounge, marks the first large-scale renovation of the library since its opening in 1991.

The central library, located at 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., will grow by about 28,000 sq-ft. of public space as a result of the renovations.

The plan also calls for some major upgrades to the 32-year-old building including updated heating, ventilation and air conditioning that will provide enhanced air flow and comfort.

As well, upgraded washrooms will feature contact-free fixtures and enhanced technology throughout the building will offer more self-serve options, along with greater access to digital collections and in-library services, officials say.

The facility will also be completely barrier-free to those with disabilities.

Mississauga also has big plans in the works for several branch libraries, officials say.

The city plans to:

• redevelop or expand Lakeview Library to service
  anticipated population growth
• replace Cooksville Library with a new location as part of
  the development of a new community centre and/or mixed-use development
• redevelop or expand Mississauga Valley Library as part of a
  broader renovation of the community centre there
• introduce express libraries that meet the community where
  they are

More details on those projects will be presented at next Wednesday’s meeting of general committee.