Welcome to the new New Appleby Branch
Location | 5151 New Street, Burlington, Ontario |
Anticipated Opening | Fall 2025 |
Size | Approximately 15000 sq ft |
Collection Size Opening Day | Approximately 30,000 items |
Hours | Open 61 hours/week
|
Architect | |
General Contractor | |
Library Branch Project Manager | Meg Uttangi-Matsos, Director, Services & Innovation |
About the Branch
New Appleby Branch is a bright, inviting, and comfortable neighbourhood gathering place serving the local community. The new location is easy for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers to find and get to. Parking is free and accessible.
The relocated branch is housed in the new Robert Bateman Community Centre, a multi-purpose community facility shared with the City of Burlington, Brock University, Halton District School Board, and Tech Place. The building was formerly Robert Bateman High School, 2004-2020 and Lord Elgin High School, 1970-2004.
Features
The new branch will take centre stage as a community hub for southeast residents!
Collection
A collection of 30,000 items books, DVDS, Books on CD, video games, magazines, newspapers, and electronic products.
Computer Workstations
Five public computer workstations and a Quick Access computer accommodate increased usage of the Internet and electronic resources—and there's plenty of work space and oodles of outlets if you want to bring your own device.
MakerStudio
Burlington Public Library’s first media studio has digital media equipment where visitors can record and edit their video and audio projects.
Comfortable Seating
Comfy lounge chairs and study tables look out onto the New Street streetscape through large picture windows.
Children's Area
A fun exploration space where kids can discover a great selection of books, hop on an educational touch-screen computer, check out the interactive digital wall screen, and curl up in a cozy spot to read a favourite story.
Genealogy of a Branch
Library services in southeast Burlington grew and relocated as the neighbourhood expanded.
1965
Skyway Branch opens to the public on July 26 in east Burlington’s Skyway Plaza.
1971
Skyway branch relocates to Appleby Mall in November and opens as New Appleby Branch—named for its proximity to the New Street and Appleby Line intersection.
1983
New Appleby Branch relocates to the new Appleview Plaza on the corner of Fairview Street and Appleby Line in October. In 1989, the branch relocates within the plaza to a larger unit.
2025
On the move again! The new New Appleby Branch opens in the Robert Bateman Community Centre in Fall 2025.
A Branch Built by Community
It takes a community to build a library, and we sincerely thank everyone who played a part in making this project a reality. From sharing ideas during community consultations to offering thoughtful feedback in conversations with our New Appleby staff, your voices helped shape the vision for this new neighbourhood branch. We hope you’re as excited as we are to enjoy your new library—a space built with you, and for you!
Burlington Public Library Board
Since 2020, when the Southeast Expansion planning process first began, two library boards have supported the project.
2020 to 2023 | 2023 to 2025 |
Catharine Benzie, Chair Brian Kenny Jason Manayathu Nawaz Noormohamed Councillor Shawna Stolte Jennifer Tarnawski Lindsay Zalot | Jennifer Tarnawski, Chair, 2023-2024 Jason Manayathu, Chair, 2025 Ashley Cameron Councillor Lisa Kearns Shayne Lemieux Akindayomi Odedeyi Lindsay Zalot |
BPL Executive Team
Lita Barrie, Chief Executive Officer
Elise Copps, Director, Communications & Engagement
Nicole Tewkesbury, Director, Finance & Infrastructure
Meg Uttangi Matsos, Director, Service Design & Innovation
New Appleby Branch
James Dekens, Manager, Neighbourhood Branches