York Woods Branch Renovation

York Woods Branch

York Woods Branch has been a valued part of your community since 1970.

In June 2019, the Toronto Public Library Board approved the closure of the York Woods Branch for a major renovation. The branch is anticipated to reopen in Summer of 2023.

Toronto Public Library has renovated the branch to revitalize all of its public spaces, to improve operational efficiency and delivery of service that meets the needs of the community. The branch is anticipated to reopen in summer of 2023.

Renovation features

New main entrance

A glass foyer with boxes stacked in the middle of it.

The glass walled entrance provides a bright and unique look that invites and welcomes all library and theatre customers. The newly built lobby area creates a better connection between the theatre space and the library branch.

New Early Literacy Centre

A KidsStop early literacy centre is a literacy-rich, tactile learning environment for children and their caregivers to learn and play together. The KidsStop theme of Music was chosen to complement the addition of a Musical Instrument Lending Library to the branch and the strong musical legacy of the Jane/Finch community.

The children’s area also includes the Middle Years Discovery Zone, designed to encourage hands-on exploration and spark creativity in children ages 6-12. The Zone fosters critical thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills to develop multiple literacies.

Youth Hub

A view of the mural from outside of the room.

Located on the second floor, this new space for youth is TPL’s first purpose built Youth Hub. The Youth Hub features a built in kitchenette, adaptable furniture, access to laptop lending and colour printing.

Digital Innovation Hub

The new Digital Innovation Hub is a learning and creation space with computers, professional software and a wide variety of equipment, including 3D printers, audio and video production tools, Arduinos and more. The Digital Innovation Hub will also feature a podcast recording studio.

New Musical Instrument Lending Library

A new Musical Instrument Lending Library is a collection of various instruments (guitars, violins, bongos, keyboards and more) that can be borrowed for free with a valid library card.

More seating and study spaces

Large staircase with seating in the middle.

A beautiful new staircase with built in seating opens up the library providing a stunning visual connection between the first and second floors.

A room with a desk and two chairs facing a blue wall.

A new small meeting room on the main floor and the addition of five quiet study rooms upstairs provide space to support both independent work and collaborative efforts.

Service during the closure

Until June 18, 2023, the library is providing service in a 3,000 square foot space on the concourse level of the Yorkgate Mall, at the northwest corner of Jane and Finch. The telephone number is 416-395-0768.

After June 18, and until York Woods reopens, holds on items will be redirected for pick up at Jane/Sheppard Branch. Library materials may be returned to any Toronto Public Library branch.

Yorkgate Mall pop-up hours (last day of service is Sunday June 18):

Youth Hub runs from 3:30 to 7:00 pm on weekdays and during this time, seated study is limited to Youth Hub participants (i.e., youth 13-19 years old). Access to computers, printing, and photocopying is available to everyone throughout our opening hours.

Service includes:

Community outreach

During the renovation, York Woods staff will continue to provide programming at alternate locations in the community. Please call Answerline at 416-397-5981 for a list of programs at alternate locations.