Burlington Public Library (Ontario)

Burlington Public Library
43°20′9.118″N 79°47′24.036″W / 43.33586611°N 79.79001000°W / 43.33586611; -79.79001000
LocationBurlington, Ontario, Canada
Established1872 (1872)
ArchitectCentral Branch designed by Teeple Architects Inc
Branches7
Collection
Size240,000 physical items
Access and use
Circulation2 million[1]
Other information
DirectorLita Barrie, CEO
Websitewww.bpl.on.ca

The Burlington Public Library (BPL) is a public library system that provides service to residents of Burlington, Ontario. It was seven branches. It was a wide collection of books, CDs, DVDs, technology, and millions of digital resources. It is also host to a seed library. It was established in 1872 in a schoolhouse.

History

The Burlington Public Library was founded in 1872 as an addition to the local school building. It was not until 1906 that the Burlington Public Library received its first permanent building, located at the current site of the Burlington City Hall. The building was completely financed by politician and businessman John Waldie under the condition that the village provide the land.[2] In 1960 BPL Aldershot Branch, BPL's first satellite location, opens in the basement of the market chain store Dominion.[2] By 2013, BPL had opened seven branches with the opening of the Alton Branch.

In 2005, BPL built a new central branch.[3][2]

Governance

The Burlington Public Library is governed by a board appointed by Burlington City Council. The board is composed of six citizen members and one city councillor. This arrangement is in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, 1990.

Services

Collections

The Burlington Public Library has a collection of over 240,000 physical books, CDs, and movies.[4]

Local History Collection

The Burlington Public Library houses an archive of local historical materials. The Burlington Public Library has a partnership with the Burlington Historical Society (BHS) to promote and research Burlington's history.[5]

Seed Library

The Burlington Public Library is host to a seed library. This service allows patrons to receive and exchange seeds.

Branches

  • Central Branch
  • Aldershot Branch
  • Alton Branch
  • Brant Hills Branch
  • Kilbride Branch
  • New Appleby Branch
  • Tansley Woods Branch

References

  1. ^ "2024 annual report".
  2. ^ a b c "Library History | BPL". www.bpl.on.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
  3. ^ Post, Kathy Yanchus Burlington (2018-02-21). "Burlington Public Library CEO Maureen Barry retiring". InsideHalton.com. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
  4. ^ "Handpicked For You Starts April 25 | BPL". www.bpl.on.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-17.
  5. ^ "Local History Services | BPL". www.bpl.on.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-17.