December 16, 2019 — The Waterloo Public Library is delighted to unveil the final design of the yet-to-be-named library on the east side of Waterloo. This evening, City Council approved the release of funds to move forward to the construction phase of the East Side Branch Library which will be an addition to the existing RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre. A Request for Tender will be issued in January 2020 which will allow ground breaking to commence in Spring 2020 with opening anticipated in July 2021.

“We are excited to move into the next phase of bringing the East Side Branch Library to life,” says Laurie Clarke, Waterloo Public Library’s CEO. “As always, working with City staff has been a great experience and the entire project team continues to work diligently and enthusiastically on such an important initiative for our community.”

City and library staff worked collaboratively with the joint-venture team from John MacDonald Architect and Ward 99 Architects in design and planning for the new library, which included incorporating feedback from public engagement sessions held during the early conceptual phase. Unique features of the East Side Branch Library include a Trombe wall for passive solar heating and a “collaboratory”, an open, flexible space that will encourage, support, and facilitate community programming and maker activities. In addition, the design features a forest school, an enclosed, natural outdoor space that can be used year-round for dynamic programming and educational activities for all ages.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to partner with the City of Waterloo as we worked to turn the idea of a sustainably-funded four-branch library system into an exciting and tangible plan for the future,” says Karen Coviello, Chair of the Waterloo Public Library Board. “On behalf of the Library Board, I extend my thanks to Mayor Jaworsky and all of Council for their support of this exciting and innovative addition to the Waterloo Public Library.”

“We are grateful for the support of the residents of Waterloo who remain loyal advocates and champions for libraries,” says Clarke. “We eagerly await the next chapter of the Waterloo Public Library.”

See the new east side library design here

Any questions can be directed to:

Karen Coviello
Chair, Waterloo Public Library Board
karenscian1@gmail.com

Laurie Clarke
CEO, Waterloo Public Library
lclarke@wpl.ca