1958 to the Present

Library use continued to increase and by the late 1940's it was clear that a larger space was needed to house the ever-growing and popular library. Consideration was given to remodeling the Carnegie building but this proved to be unfeasible. After years of extensive lobbying, a new site was decided upon, funding was obtained and construction began on a new building uptown at 6th Avenue and Ash Street. The completion of the new building coincided with the 100th Birthday of the Province of British Columbia, and the library was officially opened on November 19, 1958 by His Excellency, the Honourable Vincent Massey, Governor-General of Canada.

The new Library also saw a dramatic increase in use, due to shifts in city demographics and the change from single family dwellings to apartments. By 1976 it again became apparent that the Library was not large enough to accommodate the number of members. Renovation and expansion of the existing Library began in 1977 and included the addition of 17,800 square feet. After only a brief closure from August 6th to September 5th, 1978, the library officially re-opened October 21st, 1978.

The Library continues to be well used, with over 610,000 people visiting
the building and borrowing more than 760,000 items in 2002. As planning
begins to replace or expand the existing facility, the Library looks
forward to maintaining its high level of service to the people of New
Westminster with improved space and collections to meet the growing needs
of a growing population.

Want to see more historical photographs? Click here for a library history photo gallery.