New Central Library Campaign

Support Guelph’s New Central Library

Our Library is changing and we invite you to be a part of that change. Guelph is rebuilding – join us in this once in a generation opportunity to help build the future of our library, and our entire community. Thanks to our community’s deeply appreciated, continued support, Guelph will have a new Central Library that will usher in a new era of library and social services for Guelphites.

But we can’t do it without your help. The City of Guelph is a valued and essential partner in the new Central Library and has committed important funding that will provide the core infrastructure for a functioning library, such as the main building and the furnishings and equipment inside. However, the true essence of a library goes beyond core physical elements. It is found in the programs, advanced technology, and enabling resources that bring our various communities together in ways that inform, empower, and engage.

Through our campaign, we are asking our community to come together in helping to activate the new Central Library, with a particular focus on:

• Archives: Expanding and enhancing our ability and resources to gather, preserve and provide access to Guelph’s unique and valuable historical documents.
• Makerspace: Providing cutting-edge technical and creative equipment to support citizens in building, designing and realizing their creativity.
• Community Spaces: Enhancing our common areas to be multi-functional and able to support a variety of uses, ranging from relaxed reading on the terrace to small meetings and community events.
• Future Needs: Ensuring we have funds for future program equipment renewal and resourcing to support Guelph’s evolving needs.

Make your gift today

Anchoring the Baker District Redevelopment, Guelph’s new Central Library will be a landmark for generations to come, and a catalyst to a rejuvenated core reinforcing Guelph's collective sense of place. Other cities that have built new libraries have seen major increases in community vibrancy, and we expect the same. Slated to open in 2026, the three-story, 88,000 sq. foot facility will give the space we need to deliver programs and services that our growing community deserves, revitalize our downtown, and by extension, improve the economic and social prosperity of the entire city.

With more opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and community building, improved accessibility, larger collections, functional areas for programming and support, and special-use spaces, the new library will enable better community access to services, more user-friendly ways of delivering service, and greater flexibility for future offerings. It will be a testament to what today’s libraries should be: an inviting space for all that offers access to endless opportunities that unlock potential.