The Waterloo Public Library’s Eastside Branch and Richmond Hill Public Library?s Oak Ridges Branch have won an Ontario Library Association 2022 New Library Building Award.

The award encourages and showcases excellence in the architectural design and planning of libraries in Ontario. The OLA New Library Building Award highlights projects that were completed and in-use within July 2019 to July 2022.

Designed by Perkins&Will, the 20,000 square foot Oak Ridges Library is located north of Richmond Hill?s downtown core, and introduces a more interactive and inclusive setting for social exchange, collaborative learning, and creative exploration.The library  is configured around two compact floor plates interconnected by a dramatic double height living room space which establishes the social focal point of the library.
?A series of multifunctional break out rooms hosting a digital media lab, computer learning centre, and community program spaces complement the more open collection and study spaces on each floor in addition to dedicated teen and early years zones,? says Perkins&Will. ?A seamless integration of technology and automated systems, including self check out and automated book sorter, further enhance flexibility and reinforce the Library?s strong commitment to point of use customer service.?

The Waterloo Public Library’s Eastside Branch was designed in joint venture by John MacDonald Architect Inc. of Kitchener and Ward99 Architects of Vau...