Today marked the groundbreaking of the new Centennial Branch for Toronto Public Library, designed in collaboration with Ken Fukushima Architecture. This new 15,000 sq. ft. library will more than double the current space and will be Toronto Public Library’s first net-zero building. Mayor Olivia Chow and City Councillor James Pasternak attended the ceremony.

The original library was opened in 1966 and served the North York community as a place to learn, engage, and gather. In 2019, the City of Toronto started community consultation for the future of the facility.

Construction will start with demolition and remodeling the 15,000 sq. ft. facility to accommodate the redesign. The vision for the library includes zoned areas for this multi-generational community including adults, teens and children. There are flexible meeting, study and collaboration spaces, efficient staff workspaces, self-service and improved customer self-service areas. The zones are organized into “communities” of activities, connected by a central spine that encourages connection and gathering opportunities.