Shellard Lane Branch
On October 13, 2026, Brantford Public Library celebrated a major milestone with the opening of Shellard Lane Branch, its first new library branch in more than 50 years.
Located at 10 Strickland Avenue, at the corner of Shellard Lane and Strickland Avenue in southwest Brantford, the 13,500-square-foot branch serves as both a public and school library. Developed in partnership with the City of Brantford and the Grand Erie District School Board, the branch is part of a shared facility that also includes Blanche E. Williams Public School, the Blanche E. Williams Community Centre, a childcare centre and a park.
The branch features a collection of more than 30,000 library materials, public computers, two private study rooms, a dedicated programming room and welcoming spaces to read, study and connect. An outdoor reading terrace is scheduled to open in 2027.
View Shellard Lane Branch hours
Community Celebration - November 7, 2026
Join the Brantford Public Library, City of Brantford, Shellard Neighbourhood Association and Grand Erie District School Board on Saturday, November 7, as we celebrate the opening of the new Blanche E. Williams Community Centre, Shellard Lane Branch, and Blanche E. Williams Public School!
Enjoy free family-friendly entertainment, activities, tours and a BBQ with refreshments (while supplies last). Pick up an event passport for a chance to win prizes!
Community Celebration invitation
Explore Shellard Lane Branch
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Brantford Public Library's newest branch! Check out our videos and social media posts highlighting the new space, its features and the excitement leading up to opening day.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos, videos and updates!
Project Background
The Shellard Lane Branch project was developed to expand access to library services in Brantford's growing southwest community.
In November 2021, Brantford Public Library CEO and Chief Librarian Rae-Lynne Aramburo outlined the need for a new branch during a presentation to Brantford municipal councillors. In September 2022, a Brantford City Council committee supported the detailed design of the project.
The project officially broke ground on June 24, 2024. The shared facility was designed by ZAS Architects + Interiors and constructed by Aquicon Construction.
In December 2025, following community consultation and a survey that received approximately 300 responses, the Library Board selected "Shellard Lane Branch" as the name of the new location. The name reflects community feedback and aligns with the Library's location-based naming approach. Read the Library's announcement about the branch naming.
For additional information about the shared facility and surrounding amenities, visit the City of Brantford website.
Media Coverage
Local news coverage documenting the planning, construction and opening of Shellard Lane Branch.
2026 - Branch Opening
New Library Branch Officially Opens on Shellard Lane – Brantford Expositor
Shellard Lane Library Opens Its Doors to the Public – Brant Beacon
2025 - Branch Naming
· Brantford Public Library Announces Name of New Branch – Brantford Expositor
· Brantford Public Library Reveals Name for New Branch – Brant Beacon
2024 - Groundbreaking and Construction
Provincial Government to Build New School in Brantford – Brant Beacon
Official Start for New Joint School-Library Project in West Brant – Brantford Expositor
2022 and Earlier — Planning and Approval
Design of Phase 2 of Southwest Community Centre Project Gets Support — Brantford Expositor
Councillors Endorse New Library Branch for City's Southwest — Brantford Expositor