Proposed Design Concepts for New Main Branch Library

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The County of Brant Public Library invites the public to provide feedback on proposed draft design concepts of the exterior and interior spaces of the new Main Branch Library, located at 13 Burwell Street in Paris, Ontario. The site is currently home to the Paris Old Town Hall (now known as the Bawcutt Centre) and features one of Canada's oldest civic Gothic Revival-style buildings.

Project overview

The building of the new Main Branch Library is a project guided by a Steering Group composed of Library Board members and the Bawcutt Centre Advisory Committee. In October 2022, the award-winning architecture firm, DPAI Architecture Inc., was chosen to develop designs for the project and oversee the full restoration of the Gothic Revival-style building and its Opera Hall.

Further to restoring the site's current structure, a bright and modern addition will feature library services for all age groups. A landscaped exterior will offer public green space for outdoor use and public enjoyment.

Public open house

• Proposed 3D renderings were presented by the project Steering Group and DPAI Architecture Inc. at a public open house on February 6, 2023.
• A presentation video is available on this webpage and to the right (under the 'Videos' tab). The presentation is also available on the Library's YouTube channel at brantlibrary.ca/Youtube
• All proposed 3D renderings can be viewed on this webpage and to the right (under the 'Photos' tab). Designs are also available to view on our website at brantlibrary.ca/NewMainBranch.

Engage with us!

The County of Brant Public Library encourages public feedback on the presented draft design concepts. You are invited to leave your feedback and questions below.