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Kingston Frontenac Public Library integrates community consultation into decision-making and planning in a consistent manner that appropriately reflects the complexity, community interest and impact of decisions.
The Library invites participation on projects and decisions, as guided by the Community Engagement Policy and Toolkit (link to page that lists this). Your perspectives help us understand what's working, what's missing, and what possibilities we haven't yet considered.
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Updates on project progress and upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared here, on KFPL social media channels and in our Engage newsletter. Subscribe and follow along.
Get in touch via email at engage@kfpl.ca.
Isabel Turner Branch renovations
About the Renovation Project
The Isabel Turner Branch is undergoing renovations to enhance accessibility and functionality and update the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. These improvements are vital to maintaining a modern and welcoming environment for all library visitors.
Built in 1997, the Isabel Turner Branch is the second largest branch within the KFPL system with a floor area of 32,000 square feet. This branch is an important community hub in Kingston’s west end that facilitates learning, economic and skill development, creativity, environmental sustainability, social justice and civic placemaking for its residents.
The Isabel Turner Branch is KFPL’s busiest location, generating the highest visitation and circulation totals in the library system. The building has been in service for 25 years and library service, technology, community needs, and accessibility standards have changed significantly during this time. Over its 25 years in service, the branch has evolved to fill a critical role as a community hub in Kingston’s west end. The renovation project will aim to turn the Isabel Turner Branch into a more energy-efficient, sustainable, and accessible space that will continue to deliver key community services and programming.
Contact: turnerreno@kfpl.ca
Branch closure
The Isabel Turner Branch closed on October 24, 2024.
Temporary Cataraqui Centre Branch
The Cataraqui Centre Branch (link to branch page) opened on November 1, 2024 on the lower level of the Cataraqui Centre. The temporary branch offers a browsing collection and access to patron reservations, computers (three public computers and one accessible computer), and scanning services.
Project details
In June 2023, the City of Kingston’s Facilities & Construction Management Services department (FMCS) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the renovation. Capital funds for the project’s design phase were included in the 2023 FMCS budget.
In August 2023, the City engaged +VG Architects – The Ventin Group Ltd., a firm with expertise in designing and renovating library and community spaces including the Kingston East Community Centre.
During Winter of 2023 and Spring of 2024, the focus was internal consultation with staff and refining architectural drawings.
In our commitment to sustainability, the Isabel Turner Branch renovations will incorporate energy-efficient upgrades alongside essential infrastructure improvements. These upgrades include replacing outdated heating, ventilation and electrical systems. The renovations will also enhance accessibility and inclusion with the installation of all-gender washrooms, a new universal washroom on the lower level, and a fully accessible renovation of the existing universal washroom on the main level. Additionally, shelving heights will be lowered, aisles widened and the service desk relocated to improve accessibility. Operational improvements will include relocating the service desk closer to the entrance, reimagining of the Children’s and Teen areas, as well as study rooms on the main level.
Due to the extensive renovations, the Isabel Turner Branch will be closed on October 25, 2024. During this time, library services will be relocated to the temporary Cataraqui Centre Branch. Opening on November 1, 2024, the branch will be situated on the lower level of the Cataraqui Centre shopping mall. The temporary Cataraqui Centre Branch will offer a browsing collection, as well as access to patron reservations, computers, and scanning services.
The construction budget is expected to be approximately $4.9 million, $300,000 has been budgeted to cover temporary space, leasehold improvements and relocation costs. Funding for furniture, shelving and other equipment will be requested from the City as part of the Library’s 2025 budget request.
The renovated Isabel Turner Branch will feature energy-efficient upgrades and vital infrastructure improvements.
May - August 2024: Preparation of contract documents
August - September 2024: Project tender and procurement
October 2024
- Proposed drawings finalized. Review them here (PDF)
- The Isabel Turner Branch closed for renovations on October 24, 2024
November 2024: The temporary Cataraqui Centre Branch opened on November 1, 2024, at the Cataraqui Centre
December 2024: Request for Proposal process and contractor selection
January 2025: Contract selection finalized
February 2025: Construction start date
October 2025: Consultation on Indigenous Artwork
Early 2026: Projected completion date
Spring 2026: Projected Isabel Turner Branch re-opening
Consultation for Teen Space
- The Library initiated consultation with teens regarding their ideas for the reimagined Teen Space at the Isabel Turner Branch.
- Staff spoke to teens at two outreach events during high school orientation week at the end of August 2025.
- For two weeks in September, the Cataraqui and Calvin Park branches featured comment cards and suggestion boxes aimed at capturing teen suggestions for the new space.
- Feedback will be reviewed and, if feasible, incorporated into the updated space.
Consultation for Indigenous Artwork
- With support from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, KFPL engaged artist Jaylene Cardinal of W.C. Creatives to create artwork that will be displayed at the Isabel Turner Branch when it reopens in Spring 2026.
- On October 18, KFPL hosted an event at the Cataraqui Centre Branch, inviting the community to share their ideas for the artwork.
- In addition to the in-person event, the Library also sought feedback via a digital form.
- Feedback from the online form, as well as the in-person event, will inform the creation of the artwork.
Photos from the Oct. 18 2025 'Paint Our Community' Event at the Cataraqui Centre Branch. Photos: Liz Cooper
