November 11, 2024
To All Community Members,
We would like to inform you about an important development regarding the Merritt Branch.
As previously noted, the lease for the Merritt Branch will expire on March 31, 2025. The proposed lease at our current location included increases and restrictions that would present significant operational and financial challenges for us.
In collaboration with the City, the Library has explored alternatives throughout Merritton, and the Niagara Pen Centre has emerged as the only viable option. The Merritt Branch, currently situated at 149 Hartzel Road, will be relocating to the Niagara Pen Centre at 221 Glendale Avenue.
This new facility will offer approximately 9,700 square feet dedicated to our collection of borrowable items, diverse programming opportunities, and enhanced meeting and study spaces. Additionally, the location provides ample free parking and is conveniently adjacent to the city’s second-largest public transit hub.
The new site will allow us to remain within Merritton while significantly improving access for customers in the Western Hill area, a neighborhood that currently lacks a physical library branch.
While it is bittersweet to bid farewell to our Hartzel Road location after nearly 40 years, we eagerly anticipate the exciting opportunities our new location will bring.
Sincerely,
Janice Coles
Board Chair
St. Catharines Public Library Board
