Tour of the New Kitchener Public Library
At our March 17, 2026 General Meeting, (one year since its official opening, March 13, 2025) about 50 CFUW KW members met in the large, bright meeting room at the Southwest Library, KPL's newest location, 100 Rosenberg Way. This is a very special library! It won the Great Places Award from the city of Kitchener for their best practices of sustainable design. The Southwest Library is the first net-zero public building in Waterloo Region and is one of the first public libraries in Canada with a NetZero designation.
Amanda Wiley, Area Manager for both Pioneer Park and The Southwest Library branches, was actually involved in the original planning way back in 2006. She met with us to talk about the net-zero features and how they teamed up with the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation for their input. She pointed out the test kitchen beside us and the special window markings, designed to prevent birds from flying into the windows.
The highlight of the visit was the tour of the library led by Amanda.
We saw first hand how the consultation with the Indigenous partners influenced the design in the choice of the circle motifs, the use of the colour purple, and the wood based art work. As we viewed the recording studio, Amanda pointed out the musical instruments library members can use for free. Another unique feature was the helmets, roller skates and safety pads available, also at no cost, for KPL members to use.
Along the wall of the welcoming Sunroom, facing the outdoors, we were able to view "The Canadian Library", the project supported by our club and put together by the Indigenous Issues Study Circle interest group, with the help of several other members. The bookcase holds 120 books wrapped in beautiful, colourful fabric with patterns created by Indigenous artists. Each book has a name that is embossed in gold letters on the spine. These names are from a long list of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2 Spirits.
Outside, through the swirling snow, we could see the raised beds dedicated to a learning garden as well as another food garden. Some of the plantings have deep roots in Indigenous history, like the "Three Sisters": a traditional companion planting of corn, beans, and squash. The gardens support the teaching kitchen, providing fresh veggies and herbs for cooking programs offered by the library.
More than just a building, this library is a true community anchor. It represents what is possible when a passion for bringing people together is combined with the very best in sustainable design.
