Libraries renewal

Renewing Regina’s libraries

Renewing libraries is essential to maintain their relevance, to adapt to changing times, and to continue opportunities for customers to discover, learn, and connect.

Library renewal is a process of updating and revitalizing library resources, facilities, services, and technologies to ensure they remain relevant, accessible, and effective in meeting the needs of the community. 

Regina Public Library is presently reviewing its service points to ensure we are providing optimum services and supports to the neighbourhoods and people of Regina. 

Branch and service points* renewal

As the City of Regina grows, the library must expand and even reimagine its offerings to provide the community with the library programs and services it wants to have.

RPL has eight branches throughout the City. While many have undergone relocations and expansions, there have been no new branches in over 40 years!

RPL is currently reviewing its branch locations as part of a plan to respond to changes in community demographics, technology developments, emerging service expectations, aging facilities, and other future needs. 

We have engaged with the public and staff about the future of Regina Public Library, our programs and services related to public needs, and the role of branches and other service points to ensure we can meet those needs.

Once complete, the plan will provide a blueprint for the library to enhance and expand its service points to address community needs over the next 10 years and beyond.

* Service points could include self-service holds lockers and kiosks, joint locations with other groups, and other physical services or technologies.

Central Library Renewal

Central Library is the hub for the entire library system and houses a large portion of our collections, centralized services, and core administrative functions. Books and materials are sorted at Central and make their way to and from our branch libraries and across the provincial system.

The building was constructed in 1962 but was not built to last. Since 2012 we have prioritized what we can to keep the doors open and people safe, but the problems are big and difficult to address without causing major impact and a chain reaction tied to other issues.

At the same time, the building’s set up and layout is not conducive to our business and service offerings. Libraries have changed since the 1960s:

• They are dynamic spaces: they accommodate a multitude of uses.
• They are community hubs: they provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can discover, learn, and connect, making them a vital part of the community. 
• They are, by design, safe and welcoming. 
• They are beautiful places that make people proud. People visit just to be there: they want to enjoy the building. 

We want Regina to have that too.  

In fall 2022, RPL’s Board of Directors voted to build a new library with preference to house it on the current location. Learn more about Central Library Renewal.