Plans to build a new Central Library began as early as 1996. The former municipal building-cum-public library had become inadequate at only 16,000 square feet, especially as the population of Whitby grew to 115,000 in 2005.
The Library Board undertook a new building campaign which centered around the slogan, "A Library Says A Lot About A Town". The campaign identified five compelling reasons the Town of Whitby needed a new central library: Size: The current library lacked necessary floor space for collections, places to sit and study, and program space; Inefficiency: The current library was operating at capacity and a new facility would allow the same number of staff to handle 50% more circulations and questions; Security: Updated security features for the collection could not be installed in the current library; Electronic databases: The current library was at capacity for electricity requirements; Downtown: The library attracted 500,000 vists per year and a new building would attract far more, increasing the number of people in the downtown core.
The campaign was successful and the Town of Whitby employed architects Shore Tilbe Irwin and Partners to build a completely new 55,0000 square foot building and civic square. It would serve as a landmark and community gathering place at the western gateway to downtown Whitby. They designed an L-shaped building to accommodate the pre-existing library which was torn down in 2005 to make way for the civic square. Constructed of Indiana Limestone, the new, modern building successfully blends into the historic neighbourhood in which the library is situated.
The library was officially opened on May 25, 2005. It immediately became a dynamic community gathering place in the heart of the Town of Whitby. The new space featured two floors of collection and study space, a cafe, public meeting rooms, a computer lab, program rooms, and the Whitby Archives. In addition, features such as self-service check-outs and wireless internet (WIFI) were introduced to the library.
The Central Library was considered a jewel in the Town of Whitby and received a many accolades from the community and beyond. The library received an Honorable Mention at the the 2006 Design Exchange Awards and a Public & Institutional Spaces Award of Merit from the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario. The building was again awarded in 2007 with the Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award from the Ontario Library Association.
