PHOTOS: After $49-million makeover, central library hosts grand reopening in Mississauga

Sporting a dramatic new look after some $49 million in major renovations, the Hazel McCallion Central Library is hosting a big party this Saturday at its location in Mississauga’s downtown core.

The redesigned central library, which partially reopened to the public in December after being closed for more than two years, celebrates its grand reopening with a full day of events on Feb. 3.

Residents of all ages are invited to the party, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a wide array of activities including entertainment, free programming, a word or two from Mississauga’s acting mayor and members of council and, of course, tours of the revamped five-storey library.

“The state-of-the-art, five-storey building has been transformed to meet the growing needs of the community, including upgrades to the glass pavilion, breezeway and Noel Ryan auditorium,” City of Mississauga officials said in an online notice of the reopening.

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

Library officials said the facility underwent the “major renovations to meet the growing and changing needs of customers and business priorities.”

The central library first opened to the public at its current location on Sept. 23, 1991 after many years serving residents from its previous spot in Cooksville at Hurontario Street and Dundas Street.

An earlier rendering shows the renovated Hazel McCallion Central Library. (Image: City of Mississauga)

One of the public computer work stations at the new library. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

A lecture hall inside the new library. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

One of the public gathering spots inside the new library. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

Shown above is a view from the north atrium of the library while it was under construction over a year ago. (Photo: City of Mississauga)