The First Three Floors of North York Central Library Re-Open Today
We are pleased to announce the partial opening of North York Central Library today at 12:30 pm.
Service is restored on the first three floors, including the Circulation/Browsery department, the Children’s Area and Teen Zone on the first floor, the Creation Loft (including a Digital Innovation Hub and Fabrication Studio) on the second floor and the Language, Literature and Fine Arts department on the third floor.
Some new features to check out:
KidsStop
The transportation-themed KidsStop is a fully accessible literacy-rich, tactile learning environment for children and their families to learn and play together. Kids are invited to drive the car, ride the bus and explore the interactive cityscape mural.
Discovery Zone
Children aged 6 to 12 can create designs on the Everbrite Wall, have fun constructing a ball run on the magnetized wall, or build a roller coaster track.
Digital Innovation Hub
This high tech space sparks inspiration, experimentation and learning. Create and collaborate using new technology and digital media. Edit and record music and video, preserve your family photos, or design and print your prototype on the 3D printer. You’ll also find virtual reality headsets, circulating Arduino kits and professional design software, including Adobe Creative Suite. Many free programs are offered.
Fabrication Studio
TPL’s first Fabrication Studio is a unique creation and learning space that offers sewing, serger and embroidery machines to create textile projects and a vinyl cutter for artistic projects. Learn new skills at one of the many free programs.
Staircase
A stunning new staircase that doubles as a reading terrace and welcomes you into your new, modern library.
“The library has been totally transformed into an open, airy and welcoming space,” Kim Huntley, North York Central Library’s branch manager said. “There is a sophisticated vibe, stunning views, and new services and spaces that will enable TPL to deliver modern and progressive library service to the citizens of Toronto. And the best thing…there is more to come when the remaining floors re-open.”
Welcome back!
7 thoughts on “The First Three Floors of North York Central Library Re-Open Today”
Currently only floors 1 and 2 reopen.
Thats great that there is a big beautiful staircase. Tell me, what accommodations in terms of accessibility has the library incorporated into the new design?
Hi Josh – The stairs to the third floor is still under construction but the floor is open and can be accessed using the elevators.
Like the contemporary concepts that are baked into the new design — adding to 3-d printing the space for sewing, the more airy and brighter layout, more chairs than desks, the staircase that doubles as seats and esp. the bench at the top of the stairs.
Looking up, there seems to be a set of stairs going up to the sixth floor. Is there going to be a sixth floor?
There doesn’t seem as much shelving for books on the ground and first floors. Will the number of books be reduced?
Such a beautiful library, it invites you to stay as long you want. Most libraries I been to aren’t as bright as this, in both color and amount of natural light. Also having a section of the library dedicated to making things is pretty cool, I don’t think I have ever seen that anywhere else, really cool.
I am very interested in the books that have been in limbo ever since the library closed for renovations, especially since many of them were the only circulating copy.
Please explain what is meant by “literature” available on 3rd floor. Does this encompass all the fiction titles that were previously held at NYCL? And does the online catalogue reflect their current location and availability?
Hello,
Renovated space of North York library is nice and inviting. Lots of seating, but it looks that collection is reduced by 50%. I am really sad to see that, considering that many of us like to come and browse collection, touch the beautiful books and spend our time casually strolling among isles and checking what’s there. It looks that current trend in public library systems is less physical items, more digital downloads and like that you are catering more towards 30 under users, not to 30+. The way this trend is going, soon libraries will be no more than internet cafes and gathering community centres, and we do have those already existing and functioning.
Also, I was very disappointed to hear that Serbo-Croatian collection didn’t make back on your shelves! Huge loss for Serbian and Croatian community here. Many were visiting this branch just because of that. What did happen and why? Where did this collection go?
I hope this will change.
Thank you.