Watford Library to Temporarily Close for Next Phase of Joint Renovation Project

Watford, ON - The County of Lambton and the Township of Warwick are starting a second phase of renovations at Watford Library this August which will result in accessibility improvements, modernize the library’s spaces, and support the long-term use of the historic Carnegie building.

To accommodate the work, Watford Library will temporarily close August 21 through October 18, 2026. The final day of service before the closure will be August 20, and the library is scheduled to reopen on October 19 with a community reopening celebration tentatively planned for October 22 during Ontario Public Library Week.

During the closure, the County of Lambton, as the library service provider, will complete improvements focused on accessibility, library service, technology, and community spaces. A new accessible service desk will improve customer service sightlines and create a more open, flexible layout for mobile shelving, programming, and a slightly larger collection. New shelving, furnishings, and equipment will also be added, along with additional electrical and data connections, a public washroom change table, and new interior and exterior video surveillance. Additional improvements to technology infrastructure will be made to the lower-level program room which recently received new flooring and painting throughout.

As the owner of the Carnegie building, the Township of Warwick will continue its investment in the facility, building on the foundation repairs and lower-level storage renovations completed earlier this year. During the library closure, the Township’s scope of work will focus on the second floor, including new flooring, painting, lighting, and the replacement of existing wall panels and ceiling tiles.

As part of the project, the County of Lambton is working with the Township of Warwick, the Lambton County Archives, and the Warwick Township Heritage & Historical Committee to celebrate the history of the Carnegie library through heritage features and interpretation that will be incorporated into the site.

"These renovations will create a more accessible, flexible library while preserving an important piece of Lambton County's history," said Kevin Marriott, Lambton County Warden. “Through our partnership with the Township of Warwick, we're investing in a space that will better serve the community for years to come.”

"As owner of this historic Carnegie building, the Township is committed to preserving its character while ensuring it remains a vibrant community asset," said Todd Case, Township of Warwick Mayor. "Working together on this project allows us to improve both the building and the services it supports for years to come."

While the library is closed, patrons are encouraged to visit other Lambton County Library locations, including nearby locations in Alvinston, Arkona, Forest, and Wyoming, borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other digital resources through the library's online collection, or use Library by Mail if travelling to another location is not possible. The book return bin will remain open at Watford library during the closure for the return of most library materials.

The County of Lambton operates 24 libraries throughout Lambton County, in partnership with its lower-tier municipal partners who provide the physical spaces to support the delivery of library services. The Watford Library redevelopment project is a result of the Joint Library Facilities Review, which examined Lambton County Library’s branch libraries and made various recommendations to ensure the Library’s physical spaces are suitable for the delivery of a modern library service and suitable for future population forecasts.

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Please contact:

Darlene Coke
Manager, Library Services
County of Lambton
519-845-0809 ext. 5238
Email Darlene Coke

Ryan Chamney
Manager, Parks and Recreation
Township of Warwick
519-876-2808
Email Ryan Chamney