New Kitchener library branch opens in city’s growing southwest end

The new library, which is located at 100 Rosenberg Way, is the first in the region and one of the first libraries in the country to achieve the Zero Carbon Building standard from the Canada Green Building Council. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)

The Kitchener Public Library officially opened a new branch in the city’s growing southwest area, with the goal of bringing various learning spaces and tools to the community.

Darren Solomon, the chief executive officer of the Kitchener Public Library, said the new library was essential.

“With all Southwest Library has to offer, it will build on our vision of a library system that works with the community to break down barriers and enhance people’s lives,” Solomon said in a release.

The new library brings hundreds of books to the community, along with a kitchen for nutritional learning, a recording studio for podcast and music creation and roller skates for youth to rent out.

Speaking to CTV News at Friday’s opening ceremony, Solomon highlighted how libraries are evolving beyond traditional reading spaces.

“It brings people together and it allows people to discover creative interests,” Solomon said. “Libraries are not just about reading literacy but they’re about literacy of all forms and they allow exploration and they allow discovery for people to find things that interest them, to grow new passions, and to learn in different ways. We really pride ourselves on being a place where people can learn experientially.”

The ceremony included a ribbon cutting, speeches and performances by the Soft Shoe Dancers from Emily C. General Elementary School in Six Nations.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who helped cut the ribbon with a pair of golden scissors, said the new branch is vital for the city’s fast-growing community.

“This is now the fastest growing area of the city in terms of new greenfield development,” Vrbanovic said. “This new branch will serve literally thousands of new families that have either already moved here or will be moving here in the coming years.”

Vrbanovic said libraries are important for the communities they serve.

“It really is a community gathering spot and I think it’s going to be something that’s so well received by everyone, in this area and throughout the city.”

The new library, which is located at 100 Rosenberg Way, is the first in the region and one of the first libraries in the country to achieve the Zero Carbon Building standard from the Canada Green Building Council, a designation that aims to highlight buildings that have low-carbon designs and operational performance that reduces impact on climate.

The library also has a large sunroom, a children’s area and an event space that opens up to a patio.

“This library has a ton of resources but really it’s about people. We really pride ourselves in connecting to people, breaking down barriers [and] opening up minds to new perspectives,” Solomon said.