Parking and Book Drop Access

To accommodate the construction of our new underground parking garage and subsequent new library addition, the small parking lot behind the Main Library is now CLOSED. Information about nearby alternative parking options is available at the library and on our project website.

These options include the adjacent pay-and-display Centre-in-the-Square lot, and some local on-street parking. Short and all-day parking is also available at the nearby Duke & Ontario Garage, City Hall Garage, Kitchener Market Garage, the new parking structure at Charles & Benton Street (sheduled to open in January 2013).

Due to the closure of the Main Library’s back parking lot, the book drop has been RELOCATED to the front Queen Street entrance. The Main Library book drop will only be available when the library is closed. During regular opening hours, customers are asked to return their material inside the library.

For your convenience, library materials can also be returned to any of our four community library locations.

Project Contractor Announced!

We are thrilled to announce that on September 7th, Kitchener City Council approved our Library Board’s recommendation to award the contract tender for our joint Library renovation and underground parking garage project to Maystar General Contractors Inc.

Based in Vaughan, Ontario, Maystar General Contractors Inc. has been in the construction business for over 20 years and has completed more than 50 projects. Maystar has developed a reputation within the industry for completing major projects on time and on budget.

Some of Maystars most recent projects include a $45 million state of the art high school & aquatic centre for the York Catholic School Board and City of Vaughan; a $34 million multi-purpose arena and recreation complex for the City of Oshawa; and a $110 million project which saw the renovation and upgrading of several long term care facilities across Southern Ontario. Currently, Maystar is constructing a new $84 million Civic Centre for the City of Vaughan.

Not only are we excited that our project has reached this next major milestone, but also that we will be working with such an experienced general contractor!

Official Groundbreaking Ceremony!

Be part of KPL history! Join us on the front lawn of the Main Library at 85 Queen Street North for our official groundbreaking ceremony. We invite you to share in our excitement as we begin construction on our new Central Library.

Saturday, September 11 at 12:00 noon
Rain or shine. Light refreshements will be provided.

Hope to see you there!

Public Information Session

The City of Kitchener and the Kitchener Public Library will begin construction on two major projects at the main branch of the Kitchener Public Library and the adjacent surface parking lot this fall.

The first project will be the development of a 412-space three-level underground parking garage located between the Gaol Wall and McKenzie King Park towards the Centre-in-the-Square.

The second project will be the expansion and renovation of the Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, located at 85 Queen Street North.

The public is invited to attend a special information session to learn more about:

• Library and Garage Designs
• Landscaping Plans
• Vehicular and Pedestrian Access
• Construction Phasing
• Library Fundraising Plans
• Urban Square Concepts

When: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Kitchener Public Library - Hamblin Room - 85 Queen Street North

Information display boards will be posted outlining the intended work and staff from the library, the city and the consulting team will be available to answer questions.

New Children’s Programming Space at the Kitchener Market!

Although we plan to continue offering drop-in family storytimes at the Main Library throughout our renovation process, beginning this September, the majority of our children’s programs will be held at our exciting new space at the nearby Kitchener Market.

In fact, we have already started offering selected children’s programs at the Market, and we will be increasing the amount of library programs hosted at our dedicated Market space throughout the summer. Please note that children’s programs will continue as usual at our four Community Library locations throughout the renovation and construction on our Main Library site at 85 Queen Street North.

We’ve had a great response from our customers about our new Market space – check it out the next time you are shopping at the Market. And don’t forget, the Kitchener Market offers two hours of free parking!

Kids Club
Take a break from shopping and drop by the KPL space on the upper level of the Kitchener Market for stories, crafts and fun.
Saturdays 9:00 am – 11:00 am
@ The Kitchener Market
Drop in, no registration required.