Brantford Public Library

Brantford Public Library Front Entrance


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 

BEFORE CONSTRUCTION, THE LIBRARY
WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE STREET



THE LIBRARY IS NOW CONNECTED VISUALLY TO
COLBORNE AND MARKET STREET
Exterior of the new library facade

Workshop cut new windows into the west wall to bring in more natural light and make a better connection to Market Street.


interior photo of library near entrance with felt acoustic ceiling panels

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.



Maker space area
New automated checkout and return system



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.

New circulation desk

“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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