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Today, the City of Toronto, the Toronto Public Library (TPL), and CreateTO announced the relocation and expansion of TPL’s St Lawrence Branch to City-owned land located at 125 The Esplanade, south of the St Lawrence Market and west of David Crombie Park. The site has been housing the St Lawrence farmer's market and antique market, protected from the elements by a temporary, big white bubble tent structure while the new North Market building is under construction.
The new district branch was previously planned to be part of the future First Parliament site, located to the east of the new site, at 271 Front Street East. The location was changed so that the construction of the new library would not be held up by the deliberation and construction of the Ontario Line. Planning for the new branch is set to begin in the second half of 2022, with construction anticipated to begin in 2025, and the official public opening taking place in 2027.
The space previously identified for the library at First Parliament site will be used for other programs run by the City. The new location was originally to be used as a westerly extension of David Crombie Park once it is no longer needed to house the temporary market tent.
“Building the new and expanded St Lawrence Branch is a tremendous opportunity to create a landmark community hub for this rapidly growing neighbourhood," said City Councillor Joe Cressy. "Not only does this new location present an exciting city-building opportunity, it means that the new St Lawrence Branch will be built years sooner than the previously planned location.”
The existing St Lawrence Branch located at 171 Front Street East is 4,833 ft² in size. The new branch will be approximately 30,000 ft² – more than six times the size of the current location. According to the City, "The relocation and significant expansion of the branch will allow for the delivery of important services to residents in the St Lawrence area, and help TPL achieve many of its strategic priorities – in particular, creating accessible, inclusive public spaces that are flexible and sustainable, and provide opportunities for residents to come together in a welcoming environment."
The new library will offer a plethora of enhanced services, including:
- improved in-branch services, programs, collections, and spaces through expanded and more responsive service hours
- expanded public and community spaces that are multi-functional, welcoming and well-maintained
- new environments that connect neighbourhoods and communities, and offer opportunities for partnerships, civic engagement and resident participation
- access to digital services and technology, including eLearning opportunities
- additional services to equity-deserving groups
“We’re thrilled that this new district branch will better serve the changing needs of the growing St Lawrence community, with better access to inclusive, welcoming spaces and expanded programs and services," said Vickery Bowles, City Librarian. "We’re looking forward to consulting with the community and our partners as we plan for this vibrant new space where Torontonians can come together in their neighbourhood to work, learn and relax.”
The design of the new branch, its programming, and services will all be identified through the library’s planning and public consultation processes – the first of which is slated to take place in the latter half of this year. Prior to that, a report with recommendations to the TPL Board will be considered at the Library Board Meeting next week, on March 28.
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