About the new Main Branch Library
Located at 13 Burwell Street in Paris, Ontario, the Bawcutt Centre (formerly known as the Paris Old Town Hall) was built in 1854 and is one of the oldest Gothic Revival-style buildings in Canada. In 2020, the location was designated a National Historic Site and on September 24, 2021, it was announced as the future location of the County of Brant Public Library's new Main Branch Library. At the heart of its community, the building will be restored as a cultural cornerstone for County of Brant residents.
This project is guided by a Steering Group composed of Library Board members and the Bawcutt Centre Advisory Committee. Pending Council approval of the final project design and budget, construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed by 2024.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Main Branch Library news and subscribe to this page or visit brantlibrary.ca/news.
Draft design concepts & public feedback
Proposed 3D draft design concepts and site plans were presented by the project Steering Group and DPAI Architecture Inc. at a public open house on February 6, 2023.
Visit our online forum to learn about the building project and read feedback from the community for the draft designs.
Watch the presentation video:
View presentation slides:
| Library Steering Group Slides |
| View the Steering Group's slide deck (pdf). |
| DPAI Architecture Inc. Slides |
| View DPAI Architecture Inc.'s slide deck (pdf). |
View draft design images:
Photo Gallery: Proposed draft designs of the new Main Branch Library will appear here on the public site.
The designs can also be viewed at engagebrant.ca/newlibrary.
Building history
From a rich past to a future of discovery! The Bawcutt Centre (former Paris Old Town Hall) has served a variety of purposes over the years including town hall, needleworks factory, performance theatre, Mary Maxim store, auction hall, and soon to be the location of the New Main Branch of the County of Brant Public library.
Our online visual presentation featuring the history the new Main Branch Library includes quotes, drawings, images, and descriptions of the building's history and architectural details.
Learn More
| Media Releases |
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January 26, 2023 - Public open house will showcase draft designs of the new Main Branch Library and encourage feedback from residents October 14, 2022 - County of Brant Public Library chooses award-winning firm, DPAI Architecture Inc., to design new Main Branch Library September 24, 2021 - County of Brant Public Library and Count of Brant announce historic location of new main branch library |
| Reports & Studies |
|
October 2018 - Main Site Sub-Committee Report to the Library Board May 2018 - Quick Fact Sheet - Why We Need a New Main Branch November 2017 - Library Site Selection Study Draft Report: Paris Branch August 2016 - Paris Branch Library Facility Planning Study: Final Report |
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Recordings |
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February 6, 2023 - Video recording of a public open house featuring draft design presentations by the Library Steering Group and DPAI Architecture Inc. 2018 - Audio recording of Marilyn Sewell, Library Board Member (recorded during public focus group session) |
Why We Need a New Main Branch in Paris
- population growth
- expansion of services
- provision of specialized services
- increased parking
- increased accessibility
- increased space for programming, in-library study, and technology services
Questions?
Questions about the new branch site selection process can be submitted to the Library Board c/o our CEO Kelly Bernstein.