By 1998 it was apparent that only a new facility could address the need for additional space, handicapped access and parking. A new library, after much discussion and not without strong opposition, was opened at 10 Anderson Lane in November of 2000, during the Library's bicentennial year. Included in the new facility was the Janet Carnochan Collection, which was housed in the M.F. Jones Room following a donation from his son. Subsequently, the room has the M.F. Jones title above the French doors, of what is officially named the Niagara Historical Resource Centre. Since 2000, library membership has grown to over 10,322 members.

Thus, the first public library in Upper Canada has gone from the small room it occupied in the Court House building on picturesque Queen Street in the Old Town in 1848, to a beautiful, modern facility that more than meets current library standards for public service. The new building combines the historic ambiance of its environment in this heritage community of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with modern technology to form a truly vital community institution, free and open to all.

We are fortunate to be able to build on such historic and strong foundations and the sound management of previous staff. We have come full circle in that we are sharing the same piece of land as the firemen once again.