By Pepper Parr
September 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The New Appleby Line branch of the Burlington Library system is officially open.
First person to enter the new library – greeted by James Dekens, Manager Neighborhood Branches
First child to return books.
First person to use a monitor.
The first thing that strikes you when you walk through the doors is all the space.
It’s also very bright – lots of natural light seeps in.
The library and the classrooms on the second level are the only part of the Bateman Community Centre that are operating.
The project is one of those developments that limped its way to completion. It was a Tom Commisso idea that had difficulty – almost from day one.
But this story is not about Bateman – it is about the library and the leadership that got it to the point where a truly splendid library is now operating.
This was Lita Barrie’s day. She and the team she led had much to be proud of.
Lita Barrie has headed up the library for six years now. She came to Burlington from Hamilton, and as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), she pulled together a very strong team.
It is beyond a doubt in my mind that the library system is the best there is in the city operationally.
They continually come up with new ideas; existing programs are upgraded, and excellent use is made of technology.
The Maker Studio in several branches of the library took a little time to catch on; the technology that is employed with the “aquarium” in the New Appleby Branch will delight the children.
Barrie brought some very strong technology credentials with her when she came on Board as the CAO
When people first walk through the 16,000 sq. ft. of space, they have a sense of Wow!
The amount of space – 16,000 sq. ft., and all the natural light. will please many.
Meeting places are all over the 16,000 sq. ft library.
The ‘aquarium’, not yet fully operational, is set up so that when children draw a picture of a fish, it will appear on the screen. The library makes extensive use of technology.
One of two fully equipped media rooms.
Just inside the front doors of the library there are three daily newspapers. A few feet away there is a small meeting room. Two of the early arrivals, a couple, set themselves up in the Meeting room – each reading a newspaper.
Bare at the moment – the room will be where young children are gathered for story telling.
The hoarding behind Councillor Sharman will be in place for a while yet. The portion of the Bateman Community Centre that will include Tech Place is not complete – may not be for some time. No mention of a coffee shop so far.
Lots of space inside but few open parking spots .