Thunder Bay, ON - Embargoed until Friday, August 21: Thunder Bay Public Library will close Waverley Library to the public on Monday, November 23, 2026, to prepare for a major renovation of the 75 year old building. The branch's last day open to the public will be Sunday, November 22. Construction is scheduled to begin January 2, 2027.
Brodie Library, Mary JL Black Library and County Park Library will remain open throughout the closure. Plans for expanded service at County Park Library on the city's north side are being finalized, and confirmed details will be published well in advance of November 23.
"Waverley has served this city for 75 years, and the work we are about to do is what allows it to serve the next 75," said Richard Togman, CEO of Thunder Bay Public Library. "This is not cosmetic. We are dealing with the foundation, with water, with accessibility, and with a layout that no longer matches how people use a library."
A renovation of this scale requires a complete closure of the building. The work will address the building's foundation, water infiltration, accessibility and safety, alongside a redesign of the interior that includes a children's library roughly twice its current size, new accessible washrooms, a redesigned entrance, a small business and coworking space, and an Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
Full renovation plans, including floor plans and renderings, will be shared with the community at a public launch event on Thursday, October 8, followed by public viewing on Friday, October 9.
Library staff at all branches are being informed of the closure dates this week. All Library staff are expected to continue working their regular shifts through the end of 2026. Any staffing changes in the new year are being worked through with the Library's union partners.
Service arrangements during the closure will be confirmed and posted in advance of November 23. Updated information about the renovation, the closure, and services during construction is available at tbpl.ca/waverley.