Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Supports Central Library Fundraising Campaign

The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation has approved a significant grant in support of the evolve. literally. Central Library fundraising campaign.

In making the $50,000 contribution, the Foundation’s Board has respected the wishes of its founder and namesake, the late Lyle Hallman. Mr. Hallman’s desire to create opportunities for recreation and character building programmes, particularly for children and youth of low-income families, is addressed by the Foundation’s Children and Youth Capital Grant Programme through which KPL’s grant has been made.

Kitchener Public Library will use the funds to establish a Discovery Zone within the renovated and expanded Children’s Department. Through fun, hands-on activities, pre-schoolers will learn fundamental pre-literacy skills in an accessible and welcoming atmosphere. Caregivers will also have access to expertly designed take home exercises that will build upon the skills introduced at the Library. Strong literacy skills, encouraged early, and higher potential go hand in hand.

Kitchener Public Library thanks the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation for investing in brighter futures through this generous gift.

For more information about the evolve. literally. campaign in support of the Central Library, please contact Paul Dickson via email at Paul.Dickson@kpl.org or call 519-743-0271 ext. 278.

Parking Access: Ahrens Street Closure

A portion of Ahrens Street, from the corner of Queen Street, will be closed for the duration of our construction project.

In addition, the Ahrens Street access to the Centre-in-the-Square parking lot adjacent to the Main Library will be temporarily unavailable until May 2011. Please use the Otto Street entrance to access the Centre-in-the-Square parking lot during this period.

Despite this partial street closure and ongoing construction work, the library remains open as usual.

Please follow this link for details on current service accommodations due to construction.

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think about project’s progress.

Demolition Work Complete!

Demolition of the rear portion of the Main Library is now complete! The next phase of the project will be the construction of the first phase of the underground parking garage; followed by the construction of our new 25,000 square foot addition at the rear of the library.

Follow this link to view photos of construction work to date.

Please note that for the duration of our construction project, a portion of Ahrens Street, from the corner of Queen Street, will remain closed; however, the Ahrens Street access to parking lot #19 (Centre-in-the-Square) will remain open. Access to the Centre-in-the-Square parking lot is also available from Otto Street.

Despite this partial street closure, and ongoing construction, the Main Library remains open as usual.

Temporary Street Closures

Some temporary street closures affecting Queen and Ahrens Streets will be required to accommodate storm & water line work associated with our construction project.

Effective Monday, January 24th, Ahrens Street will be closed from the corner of Queen Street for approximately three weeks. The Ahrens Street access to parking lot #19 (Centre-in-the-Square) will also be closed during this work, however, the Otto Street parking entrance will remain open.

Effective Wednesday, January 26th, Queen Street will be closed from Weber Street to Margaret Street for approximately three days. In addition, Ahrens Street from Young to Queen and Roy Street from Young to Queen will also be closed during this three day period. Access to the Centre-in-the-Square parking lot will remain available via Otto Street.

Please note, access to the Main Library from the designated accessible parking spaces in the adjacent Centre in the Square parking lot may be compromised duruing this three week period.

Despite these temporary street closures, the library will remain open as usual. On-street signage will be put in place directing customers to the alternative parking lot entrance.

We greatly appreciate your patience during our construction period!

Temporary Elevator Closure

Due to construction work, the Main Library's elevator will be temporarily out of service for approximately four weeks beginning January 10, 2011. During this period, customers will be required to use the Queen Street stairwell to access the upper level of the library.

For customers unable to use the stairs, procedures have been put in place to assist with the retrieval of library materials.

When visiting the Main Library, please inquire at the main floor Information Desk if you require assistance accessing materials.