2022 OLA New Library Build Award Ceremony

Congratulations to ward99 architects inc., Waterloo Public Library, and John Macdonald Architect on receiving the OLA New Library Building Award for the Eastside Branch of Waterloo Public Library. The award presentation and ceremony were held on July 7, 2022, at the Annual Institute on the Library as Place conference 2022: Libraries that work in Toronto. The award encourages and showcases excellence in the architectural design and planning of new libraries in Ontario.

Comments from the awards jury: "The architects delivered on the commitment to a green, nature inspired facility with the new Eastside Branch of Waterloo Public Library. Thoughtful site placement combined with a striking design and the use of appropriate materials results in a facility that fulfills the community desire for an 'eco location'. Designing and constructing a building that is awash in natural light enlivens a previously utilitarian recreation complex. I cannot wait to see the range of eco-literacy programming that leverages the Naturespace - the interaction between toddler and teaching beehive is of particular interest." - Darcy Glidden, Manager of Community Libraries, Barrie Public Library.

Learn more about WPL's Eastside Branch -
Eastside Branch wins OLA New Library Building Award
About the Eastside Branch
Waterloo library’s ‘teaching beehive’ shares lessons about environmental stewardship
'Buzzworthy' program arrives at Waterloo Public Library to teach community about bees