New Central Library Campaign

Help Activate Guelph’s New Central Library

A true community effort, the construction of a new Central Library in Guelph is a testament to collaboration, dedication, and shared vision. It’s more than just a building: behind every brick and beam, there is a story of people who believe in the power of knowledge and community.

An iconic building in the core of our community, Guelph’s new Central Library would not be possible without the support of the City of Guelph – a valued and essential partner that has committed important funding to provide the core infrastructure for a functioning library, such as the main building and basic 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 a $4 million campaign, we are asking our community to help enliven, animate, and activate the new Central Library and its spaces and ensure a relevant and cutting-edge space that will be the pride of our community for generations to come. These funds will equip the new Central Library with the necessary programs, technologies, and resources to maximize the potential of the space and its users, with a focus on:

• Enhancing community spaces and common areas to be multi-functional for a variety of uses, ranging from reading, meetings, study groups, programs, and community events.
• Providing cutting-edge technical and creative Makerspace equipment to support citizens in building, designing, and realizing their creativity.
• Expanding our Archives, enhancing our ability and resources to gather, preserve, and provide access to Guelph’s unique and valuable historical documents.
• Ensuring we have funds for future needs, like programs, equipment renewal, and resourcing to support our growing and diverse community as it evolves.

Make your gift today

We invite you to join this once-in-a-generation community build and create positive change that will resonate far beyond today.

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. Every dollar invested into the Guelph Public Library generates a return of $11 in direct and indirect benefits to the community.

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.

It’s Guelph’s story, reimagined and revitalized, and we’d love you to be a part of it. Make your tax-deductible gift today or learn more about this project.