As the County of Brant continues to grow, so too does the need for a modern library that can serve our expanding community. The Central Branch Library Project is a bold step forward toward a brighter, more connected future.
Modern libraries are more than places to borrow books. They serve as “third spaces” — welcoming places outside of home and work or school where people gather to learn, create, connect with others and their community.
The new Central Branch is envisioned as that kind of place: a welcoming, accessible, and sustainable community destination designed to serve Brant today and for generations to come. With expanded collections, technology, flexible programming and gathering spaces, and dedicated areas for different ages and needs, it will be a meet space that provides more opportunities for everyone to experience a library they can call their own.
Why a New Central Branch?
The current Paris Branch has served the community since 1904. More than 120 years later, the building no longer provides the space, accessibility or infrastructure required to meet current or future community needs.
Paris is expected to account for a substantial portion of County of Brant's future population growth. At the same time, the community deserves a library equipped to provide a full range of services, programs, technology and community spaces.
A new Central Branch would provide approximately 26,250 square feet, more than double the space of the current branch, creating the capacity to serve a growing community and adapt as needs continue to change with access for everyone, learning and literacy, community connection, and environmental responsibility for a growing community. The Project is intended to improve the level of service available to all residents, ensuring equitable access to Library resources and opportunities for communities across the County of Brant.
Project Timeline
| Project Phase | Key Deliverables & Milestones | Target Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Initiation | Property acquisition, Site analysis, due diligence studies, architectural firm selection for concept design | Q1 2027 |
| Phase 2: Planning and Design | Detailed Design, Engineering, Specialty consultants, Class budgeting, Site preparation, Zoning approval | Q3 2027 |
| Phase 3: Construction | Shovel-in-the-ground build process through to facility fit-out and siteworks | Q4 2028 |
| Phase 4: Opening | Commissioning, collection migration, and public grand opening. | Q1 2029 |
Project Budget
The new Central Library Branch is projected to cost between $22.7 million and $28.3 million. The difference, or contingency, is calculated as a responsible and realistic method of budgeting during this economic period, estimating for potential increases due to fluctuations in material costs, like steel, and changing tariffs. Soft costs such as architectural design, engineering, insurance, permits, and furniture total approximately 17% of the total project budget. Hard costs, including land, demolition, construction, and paving, total approximately 82% of the total project budget. Administrative costs for the project are less than 2% of the total project budget.
Needs Assessment
In 2025, the County of Brant Public Library retained LGA Architectural Partners to examine best practices and metrics for a Central Branch Library, with municipalities comparable to the County of Brant system. This research provided the foundation for the County of Brant Public Library New Central Branch Needs Assessment 2025. Read the Report.
Media Releases
| July 30, 2026 - Media Release |
| Central Branch Library Secures Council Approval |
| March 14, 2025 - Media Release |
| Library Board Moves Forward with New Central Library Planning |
Reports and Studies
| June 2023 |
| New Main Branch Library Report to County of Brant Council |
| October 2018 |
| Main Site Sub-Committee Report to the Library Board |
| November 2017 |
| Library Site Selection Study Draft Report |
| August 2016 |
| Paris Branch Library Facility Planning Study: Final Report |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Why do we need a new Central Branch Library? |
| The current main branch was built in 1904 for a population of 3,229. The population of the County of Brant is expected to grow to 59,000 by 2051. More than 120 years later, the building no longer provides the space, accessibility or infrastructure required to meet current or future community needs.
The Central Branch will create inclusive and accessible library services for a rapidly growing community:
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| What will happen to the current library building at 12 William Street in Paris? |
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This building is owned by the County of Brant. The County is currently investigating public-use options. For more information, connect with the County of Brant's Planning & Development Department. |
Library Board
| Library Board |
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Project Team - Library |
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For detailed information about the Central Branch Library Project, please connect with Kelly Bernstein, CEO, County of Brant Public Library | 519-442-2433