A new Toronto Public Library branch coming to the eastern waterfront

The City of Toronto, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and Waterfront Toronto announced that the new branch will be delivered at Quayside, a new waterfront community.

This announcement builds on more than a decade of planning by TPL in collaboration with the City to expand library services along the eastern waterfront. New library branches can take five to 10 years to deliver, so securing space at Quayside now while construction gets underway will help ensure the branch opens alongside the growing community and is ready to serve residents in the years ahead.

“As Toronto’s waterfront evolves and prepares to welcome thousands of new residents to Quayside, we’re making sure that providing much needed community spaces is part of the City’s growth as development happens. The new Toronto Public Library branch will be there for all residents — families, seniors, young people and more — creating a free and welcoming hub where strangers become neighbours and the community builds strong ties,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

TPL also announced their leadership of a comprehensive community consultation process as part of planning and designing the new branch. Community members will have opportunities to share input on programming, services and collections as the project moves forward, ensuring the space reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of the residents it will serve. Consultations will launch once an architectural firm has been selected to lead the interior fit-out, with that process anticipated to begin in 2028.

“Library branches are at the heart of community life — places to connect, learn and belong. This new branch at Quayside will be a welcoming, inclusive space that brings people together and helps transform a growing neighbourhood into a true community. We look forward to collaborating with residents to design a library that reflects their needs, interests and aspirations,” said Moe Hosseini-Ara, City Librarian and CEO, TPL.

Quayside is one of the city’s most significant housing developments: the first phase of the development will deliver approximately 563 affordable rental homes and 1,170 market rental homes. About 57 per cent of the affordable homes will be family-sized, with two, three and four bedrooms.

The Quayside branch is part of a broader plan to serve the waterfront. A second branch is planned for Ookwemin Minising, the new island community taking shape nearby. Together, the two branches will give residents across the eastern waterfront convenient access to the programs, spaces and services a modern library provides. 

“A great place to live offers more than housing. It has accessible and inclusive public spaces, services and amenities that enrich daily life, allow residents to foster strong connections and enable a community to take root. Integrating a library into Quayside from day one ensures it is part of the fabric of the neighbourhood. It’s a foundational step towards the complete, people–first community Quayside is meant to be, and we’re proud to deliver it in partnership with the City, Toronto Public Library and our development partner, Dream,” said George Zegarac, president and CEO, Waterfront Toronto.

The Quayside development is a collaboration between the City, TPL Waterfront Toronto and development partner, Dream Unlimited Corp.

By integrating the library into the first phase of development, the branch can be delivered without new tax-supported capital funding from the City. The base building will be funded through community benefit contributions, with the developer handing over the completed base building, land and access to the City. TPL will fund the design, construction and furnishing of the interior space.

“We are excited to welcome the Toronto Public Library to Quayside. The library will be a tremendous asset for all residents and the community, providing access to learning, resources, and a vibrant community gathering space. Its addition further strengthens our vision of creating a complete and connected community,” said Jamie Cooper, President, Development & Income Properties, Dream Unlimited.

Featured image: A new Toronto Public Library branch coming to the eastern waterfront (CNW Group/Toronto Public Library)