Brantford Public Library

Working with the Brantford Public Library team, we transformed their main branch building as part of a wider strategy to modernize Brantford’s library system.

Redesigning the street presence was central to supporting the City of Brantford’s downtown revitalization plans. The north facade was replaced with a wall of glass that opens sightlines between the library interior, the civic spaces and Laurier University on Colborne Street East.


THE WOOLCO STORE ON THE 
CURRENT LIBRARY SITE 

Starting at the main entrance, the library was reordered to simplify wayfinding, to seamlessly integrate accessible requirements and to make a space that felt generous and welcoming.

We worked with the library staff to support their new delivery models. This included upgrading equipment for self check-out and book sorting to free up staff to move around the space rather than be tethered to one place. 

The new round circulation desks located in the middle of the library spaces are multi-directional and a new makerspace and audio-visual hub were added to expand the existing services.

“In reconsidering the role of the library in a digital age, it is clear they have become more important than ever and their support services have expanded.

It was an exciting challenge to tackle how architecture can support the technological upgrades and rewarding to see the value people found in their new library experience.”

— Thomas Petch

Client: City of Brantford and Brantford Library
Location: Brantford, Ontario
Date: 2018
Team: David Colussi, Thomas Petch, and Elaine Chau  


photos by Scott Norsworthy

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