Breslau Library Branch

Since 2011, the Region of Waterloo Library has offered a variety of story time programs for families at the Breslau Community Centre. In 2019, library service was expanded to include a small collection of on-site library items available for check-out, and in 2022 a permanent book return was added. With those additions, membership and use of the library satellite location had grown steadily over the years. In 2023, the opportunity to utilize the lower level of the community centre allowed for the expansion of library services in order to offer a large, permanent collection, public access computers, and varied programs for all ages. In 2024, the library branch has officially opened.

Breslau Community Centre

The Breslau Community Centre and Memorial Park is a celebrated community resource with unique features and beautiful details. It has a robust program of recreation activities, rental spaces available for gatherings and sporting events, and a commercial kitchen for food preparation and service.

The space welcomes people of all ages and interests, and has become a beloved gathering place for community, conversation and connection.

Region of Waterloo Libraries

The Region of Waterloo currently operates 11 library branches and one satellite locations across the Region’s rural municipalities.

The Township of Woolwich, Region of Waterloo and community members identified an opportunity to expand on this library service to the community of Breslau by providing a custom library space in a large, unoccupied area on the lower level of the Breslau Community Centre.

The proposed location had been identified as an ideal space for a library branch because of its convenient location, unique programing experiences that complement the community centre’s current recreation programs, and because it meets important facility requirements.

Council Decision Following Community Engagement

The Township of Woolwich and the Region of Waterloo Library undertook a series of community engagements, in order to determine public interest in the introduction of a full-service library branch, to be located in the lower level of the Breslau Community Centre.

Information sessions were held at the proposed space at the Breslau Community Centre. The sessions included a casual drop-in format, with 1 on 1 or small group discussion opportunities to ask questions about the proposed location. Artist renderings of the proposed space were projected in the room, with printed boards placed at each room. Printed surveys were available for completion. Three in-person information sessions, which hosted nearly 60 community members, were held to tour the public through the proposed space, share information and answer questions.

In addition to in-person information sessions, a survey was shared on the project's Engage WR page which received nearly 70 detailed responses from Breslau Residents. Over 90% of the survey respondents are in favour of expanding library services to include a branch in the proposed Breslau Community Centre (BCC) lower-level location, with many noting that their "minds were changed" after attending the in-person information session and seeing the potential of the proposed space.

Overall, public support was positive for the use of the lower level in the BCC as an interim library service location, with the future possibility of a purpose-built, dedicated Library facility. However, a few residents expressed concerns about limited accessibility (wheelchair lift) and a preference for aboveground amenities. These accessibility concerns will be considered during facility upgrades.

A report to Township of Woolwich Council on August 8th detailed community input, population and use indicators, and financial implications. On August 15th the Region of Waterloo's Library Committee voted to go ahead with converting the space for 2024.

Council has approved plans to convert the Region of Waterloo Library Satellite service in Breslau to a full-service library branch in the lower level of the Township of Woolwich's Breslau Community Centre. The new location will meet the needs of a growing population, offering a permanent collection, public access computers, varied programs for all ages, and more opening hours. The expanded service will be rolled out to respond to community needs, while working closely with the Township of Woolwich to ensure it is also cost-effective. A recent survey found over 90 per cent of respondents were in favour of the new location for the library.