New branch of Hamilton Public Library opens in East End

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Published July 14, 2021 at 2:59 pm

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After much anticipation and pandemic-related delays, a new branch of the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) has opened in the city’s East End.

HPL’s Parkdale branch, located at 256 Parkdale Ave N, officially opened to the public on Tuesday (July 13).

It was initially scheduled to open in late 2020 but was pushed back due to COVID-19.

The new branch came about through a partnership with Indwell, a Hamilton-based affordable-housing charity.

The new library is 1,500 square feet and is located in Indwell’s four-storey McQuesten Lofts, which houses 50 one-bedroom apartments.

“Serving all people of Hamilton equitably ensures a healthy, informed and connected community,” said Paul Takala, HPL’s Chief Librarian and CEO, in a press release.

“This newest branch will provide Wi-Fi, public computers and printers, meeting spaces, children’s area, and a location-based collection of new and best seller books, music, and movies.”

Parkdale is HPL’s first Passive House-designed branch – an energy-efficient building that dramatically reduces its ecological footprint.

Funding for the new library was approved by Hamilton City Council last year and the loft units will be offered to people who have been waiting several years for affordable housing in the community.

“We’re thrilled with this development,” said Jeff Neven, Executive Director at Indwell, in a release.

“Hamilton Public Library does such amazing work in creating third spaces for learning and community development.”

The new branch is open from Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information on visiting the library and COVID-19 safety protocols, visit the HPL website.

— Photos courtesy Tom Ridout

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