# Pickering Public Library

Pickering Public Library is the library system of Pickering, Ontario, Canada. The library was operational in separate branches since 1841, but officially launched as the Main Library in 1990 at the Central Branch. There are also the George Ashe (formerly Petticoat Creek) and Claremont branches which remain part of the Pickering Public Library.

## History

The Pickering Public Library officially opened its doors on May 22, 1990, which is the Central Branch, after two years of construction in response to the Town of Pickering's growing needs. Prior to opening, there were various library branches including Greenwood, Claremont, Whitevale, Bay Ridges, Rouge Hill, Brougham, which was the first branch opened in 1841, and the formerly named Liverpool Branch until the official opening of the Central Branch. The former three branches remain open to this day. The Petticoat Creek Library branch opened their doors on June 14, 2001 and was officially renamed to the George Ashe Library on September 15, 2017.
In 2020, the library estimates to have 515,000 visitors, upwards of 60 permanent employees, almost 1 million items available to borrow, and almost 1.7 million uses of the public computers annually.

## Services
### Collections

The library's collection count is almost 1 million items.

### Assistive Services

The library offers services to patrons and Pickering residents with special needs. This includes a library delivery service for those who cannot visit the library due to disabilities, and a sign language interpretation service.

### Technology

The Pickering Public Library technology services include public access computers and free wireless internet access across all three branches. The Library provides access to e-books, movies, music, and other electronic items. Each branch has a black-and-white printer where patrons can print for 10 cents a page. All branches also have a photocopier. The Pickering Public Library website allows users to reserve items and transfer items to their preferred branch. The library also produces live readings of children's stories on Facebook, and a podcast for children called "Wee Listen".
The Central Branch of the Pickering Public Library houses a Maker Space, where patrons can reserve technological equipment and a workstation to with and utilize for developing new technologies.

#### Digital Content

Pickering Public Library cardholders can access multiple online databases through the library's website. These include databases of Consumer Reports, the Toronto Star's historical newspapers, and Merck Manuals.
The library offers audiobook, e-book, and eMagazine services, including cloudLibrary, Flipster, hoopla, Libby by OverDrive, and Tumblebooks, available from the library's website.

## Future

There is a proposed Library Expansion for the Central Branch, due to increased usage and need. The expansion, dubbed the "City Centre Library", is projected to cost $21 million, while offering additional services such as financial learning assistance. The expansion would result in the Central Branch Library being attached to the Pickering Town Centre. Further, more items are planned to be available for loans, such as additional GoPro cameras and musical instruments.

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
| 2014 | Pickering Public Library | TD Summer Reading Club Library Awards | Second Place |
| 2015 | Pickering Public Library | TD Summer Reading Club Library Awards | First Place |
| 2015 | Pickering Public Library | Minister's Award for Innovation (Short List) | First Place |
| 2016 | Pickering Public Library | TD Summer Reading Club Library Awards | First Place |
| 2017 | Pickering Public Library | Psychological Safety Award | Second Place |