New Appleby Branch is OPEN!
Drum roll, please! We are beyond excited to open the doors today at our relocated New Appleby Branch—and welcome the community to their brand new, expanded space in Robert Bateman Community Centre!
The new branch, located at 5151 New Street, is part of the City of Burlington’s project to transform the former Robert Bateman High School into a brand-new recreational and educational hub.
“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to our New Appleby Branch, a vibrant space designed with the community in mind,” says Lita Barrie, CEO, Burlington Public Library. “At three times the size of the previous location, the new branch offers something for everyone, from collaborative meeting spaces and new digital media studios to an engaging children’s area. I want to extend a sincere thank you to the Burlington community for their valuable input to shape the vision for this branch, and our partners at City of Burlington and Brock University.”
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward offered her warm congratulations to BPL: “The opening of the new and expanded New Appleby Branch marks an exciting milestone in the transformation of the Robert Bateman Community Centre into a vibrant hub for learning, recreation, and connection. From children discovering the joy of reading to adults exploring new ideas and skills, this beautiful new branch will be a place where everyone can come together, share, and grow. I want to thank Burlington Public Library, City staff, and our partners for their dedication and collaboration in bringing this vision to life for the people of Burlington.”
The new branch has 16,000 square feet of space and features a large collection of fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, and other materials to borrow. BPL has expanded its maker services with two digital media studios for recording and editing video and audio at this location. In response to the demand for more seating, the new branch has three free bookable workspaces and a wide variety of comfortable seating options.
The children’s area features a wide selection of books and space for children and families to read and play. Kids can also engage in learning through two Touch2Play children’s activity stations, a Duplo activity table, and a large, wall-mounted interactive digital screen.
“Our New Appleby Branch offers so many opportunities to learn and connect through activities, free meeting rooms, and new digital technology,” says James Dekens, Manager, Neighbourhood Branches at Burlington Public Library. “We’re so excited to open the doors now, even as crews finish the final details, so our community can start enjoying the new branch right away.”
New Appleby Branch also includes a dedicated Brock University Library space that will increase access to resources, research support, and collaborative programming for students and community members.
“Brock University Library is excited to build new connections with the Burlington community through our collaboration with Burlington Public Library," says Nicole Nolan, Brock University Librarian. "We look forward to welcoming students and the public into the space on September 15.”
The branch is open every day: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am to 5pm; and Sunday noon to 5pm.
We can't wait to greet you!
