How the new $42.8-million Mississauga Central Library will look and when will it open?
Published January 3, 2023 at 1:18 pm
A new $42.8-million state-of-the-art structure that promises to inspire “literacy, creativity and lifelong learning” will open in Mississauga’s downtown core before the end of 2023.
Mississauga’s central library, closed for major renovations since March 2021, is on schedule to reopen to the public as the Hazel McCallion Central Library by late fall of this year, according to City of Mississauga officials.
“At this time, we don’t have a specific date. However, construction is progressing well and we anticipate opening in late fall 2023,” Laura Reed, manager of the central library, wrote in an email to insauga.com.
Closed now for nearly two years “to undergo a major renovation to meet the growing demands of its customers and changing business priorities,” the dramatically reimagined library promises to make a big splash once it reopens, Mississauga officials say.
Located in the heart of Mississauga’s downtown core, the five-storey Hazel McCallion Central Library received its new name in honour of the iconic McCallion, who’ll turn 102 on Feb. 14. She rose to national prominence during her run as Mississauga mayor from 1978 to 2014.
“The renovation will move the library forward as an important part of an urban community that inspires literacy, creativity and lifelong learning,” City officials said in an earlier project update that appeared online.
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All five floors of public and staff space, including the Glass Pavilion, Breezeway and the Noel Ryan Auditorium, are under renovation.
The major project, which includes plans for a fourth-floor sky lounge, marks the first large-scale renovation of the library since its opening in 1991.
The central library, located at 301 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., will grow by about 28,000 sq-ft. of public space as a result of the renovations.
The plan also calls for some major upgrades to the 30-year-old building including updated heating, ventilation and air conditioning that will provide enhanced air flow and comfort.
As well, upgraded washrooms will feature contact-free fixtures and enhanced technology throughout the building will offer more self-serve options, along with greater access to digital collections and in-library services, officials say.
The facility will also be completely barrier-free to those with disabilities.
