Brentwood Branch to Close for Major Renovation & Expansion

Diamond & Schmitt designed building to reopen in 2012

TORONTO, Sept. 7 /CNW/ - On Saturday, September 25, 2010, Toronto Public Library will temporarily close the Brentwood Branch (36 Brentwood Road North) for a major renovation and expansion.  Scheduled for completion in 2012, the public can look forward to an expanded, more accessible public library in their neighbourhood.

While the Brentwood Branch is closed, Runnymede Branch will also offer temporary Sunday service beginning Sunday, September 12, 2010.  Hours at the nearby Runnymede and Eatonville Branches will be extended to 6:00 pm on Fridays beginning Friday, October 1, 2010. 

The renovated and expanded facility will feature: 

• Expanded public service and collection space (from 13,615 to 17,500 square feet, an increase of almost 30%).
• Newly created urban living room featuring current popular reading and audio visual materials.
• A new elevator and washrooms to create full building accessibility.
• A new Computer Le@rning Centre.
• A larger, fully accessible meeting room with kitchen facilities.
• Quiet study rooms.
• Additional public computer workstations.
• More lounge and collection space for seniors, adults, teens and children.
• A new KidsStop, an interactive early literacy centre.
• A new teen zone.
• Express check-out and returns.
• A new outdoor reading garden

During the closure, the community can return books to any Toronto Public Library Branch and pick up holds at Richview Branch. The public can also visit one of several nearby branches—Mimico Centennial, Humber Bay, Runnymede, Eatonville or Richview. Toronto Public Library's Bookmobile also regularly stops every other Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mabelle bookmobile stop located at 49 Mabelle Avenue (Dundas Street West & Islington Avenue). 

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officer - Media Relations, 416-397-5925
[email protected]