Richmond Hill’s Central Library Is Reopening — But Don’t Bring Your Books Back Just Yet

Richmond Hill’s Central Branch is reopening after Labour Day — although “reopening” comes with a bit of an asterisk.

The busy library near Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive will welcome visitors back beginning Sept. 8, following its closure for renovations on Aug. 4.

But if you’re hoping to browse the shelves, borrow a book or finally return that overdue novel sitting on your nightstand, you’ll have to wait another week.

Browsing, borrowing, book returns, hold pickups and new holds are scheduled to resume Sept. 14. Richmond Hill Public Library is encouraging residents to hang onto overdue items until then, with overdue notices paused until Sept. 19.

So what can you do during the first week?

Starting Sept. 8, visitors can use computers and printers, while the Local History Room will be available by appointment.

Meeting rooms, the Library of Things and STEAM kits return Sept. 14. Creative Studio equipment — including the 3D and fabric printers — will remain temporarily at Richmond Green Branch before returning to Central in October.

Renovations will continue into late fall, but the library says most noisy work, including drilling, will be done in the mornings before opening.

For now, weekday hours will begin at 1 p.m., with the branch closing at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday. Weekend hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday.

And there’s a payoff for all the disruption.

Once completed, the refreshed Central Branch will offer more study space, updated furniture, additional third-floor electrical outlets, a modular stage and event space, and a new interactive play area for families with young children.

Details on the reopening of Kids’ Corner, study spaces and the first-floor Ever Blossom Café are still to come.