Centennial Library in Toronto closed for major renovations – Daily Commercial News

TORONTO — The Centennial branch of the Toronto Public Library (TPL) will be closed for approximately three years for reconstruction.

The branch will remain on the same site in front of the Herbert H. Carnegie Arena but will be completely rebuilt.

TPL retained Ken Fukushima Architecture jointly with McCallum Sather Architects Inc. to design the new facility. It will more than double in size from 6,869 square feet to 15,000 square feet and will be TPL’s first net-zero branch.

The reconstruction and expansion will:

• revitalize all public service areas;
• redesign the current floor layout to provide flexible spaces for collaboration including program space, meeting rooms and quiet study areas;
• add expanded zones for adult, children and teens;
• increase the number of washrooms and add a family friendly washroom;
• create a new outdoor courtyard to extend the library space beyond the building;
• create a community-gathering space, including a plaza with seating, under a large, overhead canopy; and
• incorporate customer service improvements and efficient staff spaces.

The next step in the process is to get approvals and building permits from the City of Toronto.