Diamond Schmitt architects has announced the completion of work on the York Woods Library in Toronto’s Jane Finch community.

The architects say the new facility goes beyond the traditional lending-library model to provide important social and cultural infrastructure to an underserved part of the city. The new design retains and embraces the original Brutalist library and brick and mortar theatre buildings, while opening it up to create a connected and welcoming community hub.

“Our vision for the revitalized York Woods Library was to create a sense of place,” said Diamond Schmitt Principal Gary McCluskie. “It is designed as a flexible community hub where residents of the Jane and Finch neighbourhood feel welcome, not just to drop by and borrow a book, but to stay for a while and engage with the new open, light-filled spaces and programs the library has to offer.”

Originally designed by Thomas Ibronyi Architect, the York Woods Library and Theatre has undergone a number of renovations and developments since its opening in 1970. Most recently, in 2010, the Community Arts Hub and programming room were added.

The facility has become an important centre for the community over the years. It serves as a primary meeting place for youth to gather after school for socializing, studying and to engage in support programs.

Diamond Schmitt’s transformation features a 2,000-square foot double-height glass entrance pavilion topped by a prismatic timber roof. The design aims to improve flow and provides a light-filled multi-purpose space for public gatherings, formal and informal events, and offers passersby a glimpse at the happenings within.

“One of design intentions was to enhance the library and theatre’s connections with the community,” said senior associated Matthew Tsui. “We’ve designed an entrance addition that establishes a welcoming new street presence. It’s warmth and transparency invites patrons in, and offers a moment of respite for the community and those coming to use the library’s new facilities.”

The heart of the transformation is the renovation of the two-storey library. The new design opens up the space with a two-storey transparent interconnected atrium and amphitheatre staircase which improves orientation and creates a sense of place. It also offers opportunities for seating and casual gathering, providing a more inclusive environment.

The revitalized facility also provides multiple flexible use zones, along with new and transparent program areas. A Digital Innovation Hub, Teaching Lab, Musical Instrument Lending Library, KidsStop and Children’s Middle Years Discovery Zone are organized on the corners of the ground floor, making them easily accessible to kids and youth. On the second floor, the four squares are each dedicated to different types of work and collaboration, with two large study rooms on the north- and south-east side corners, and the E-learning Centre and Youth Hub on the north- and south-west corners.

The York Woods Library and Theatre is also only one of two Toronto Public libraries that includes a fully-equipped performing arts theatre to support various educational and community activities.