Richmond Hill Public Library’s newest branch receives award for excellence in building design

Richmond Hill - With a strong commitment to modern, sustainable building practices, as well as functional design features that support the growing Richmond Hill community, Oak Ridges Library is the latest recipient of the Ontario Library Association’s (OLA) New Building Award. The Library received the award on July 7, 2022 at the OLA’s Annual Institute on the Library as Place conference. 

The OLA New Building Award is presented every three years to new library buildings in Ontario that showcase excellence in design, sustainability, technology advancement and community development. It is the latest award for the Richmond Hill Public Library’s Oak Ridges branch, which has also received Silver LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and the 2021 Ontario Wood Design Institutional Award. 

Oak Ridges Library draws inspiration from the deep forest and river valleys of the surrounding Oak Ridges Moraine and supports the City’s commitment to balancing green and growth through sustainable strategies. The building was designed with functional spaces including meeting rooms, study areas, a Maker Space and an urban living room. These modern and flexible spaces invite the community to connect, collaborate, learn and experience together, and strengthen Richmond Hill Public Library’s commitment to help people improve their lives and adapt to change.

Oak Ridges Library is open seven days a week. Maker Space equipment and study spaces can be pre-booked by contacting the Library directly. Anyone who lives, goes to school, or works in York Region can receive a Richmond Hill Public Library card. Find out more at www.rhpl.ca. 

QUICK FACTS

• Richmond Hill Public Library’s Oak Ridges branch is a two-storey, 19,000 sq. ft. library that was designed by architect firm Perkins and Will. It opened to the public in November 2019. It is a civic landmark, reflecting the natural elements and local history of the community.
• Oak Ridges Library is the newest Richmond Hill Public Library location. With seamless integration of technology and automated systems, it is a fully modern library that contains a Maker Space, computer learning centre, Tween Zone, green roof, children’s play structures and more.

QUOTES

“The Oak Ridges Library branch is a beautiful space everyone in Richmond Hill can be proud of. It helps bring people together and showcases the love we share for our natural environment. I am very proud of the work that went into creating this amazing community space and am delighted these efforts have been recognized by the OLA.”

– David West, Richmond Hill Mayor 

“It’s an honour to see Oak Ridges Library receive the 2022 OLA New Library Building Award. This branch is a great accomplishment for residents and our City; it provides the best technology, resources and activities for families, and is also environmentally friendly. I encourage all residents to visit Oak Ridges Library and see first-hand the care that has gone into its thoughtful design.”

– Greg Beros, Ward 1 Councillor and Richmond Hill Public Library Board Chair

“The OLA award recognizes the hard work and dedication that our team and community put into designing a space that delivers exceptional services and experiences. The branch is innovative, relevant, and responsive and it gives our community the experiential spaces and tools they need to learn, solve problems and grow together. The innovative design of this library branch will help thousands of people every year improve their lives, adapt to change and connect with others.”  

– Darren Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Richmond Hill Public Library

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MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Annesha Hutchinson
Manager, Communications
Richmond Hill Public Library
ahutchinson@rhpl.ca or 416-991-2799

Lynn Chan
Communications Advisor
City of Richmond Hill
lynn.chan@richmondhill.ca