The first Ajax Public Library opened December 13, 1952.[5] This library contained 1,175 books and served a population of 4,057.[5]
A new main branch was constructed in 1967 as a Centennial project.[5] The new branch was built next to the original and led to a surge in library activity.[5] In 1974, the boundaries of Ajax were expanded to include Pickering Village, which resulted in the Ajax Public Library absorbing the village's library into its network. This second branch was called the Village Branch. This would be the first time there would be more than one Ajax library branch.[5] The Village Branch closed in 2019.[6]
The current main branch built in the early 2000s.
Governance
The Ajax Public Library is governed by a nine-member board appointed by Ajax Town Council. The board is composed of eight citizen members and one councillor.[7]
Services
Collections
The library's collection count is 235,000 items and includes books, movies, music, magazines, audiobooks, book club kits, and daisy readers.[1]
Makerspace
The McLean branch contains a library makerspace.[8] This workspace gives library card holders access to specialized equipment for a small fee.[9] The Ajax Makerspace contains a vinyl cutting machine, 3d printer, soldering station, laser cutter, button/magnet maker, book/coil binder, and large format printer, among other digital tools.[10]
Technology
All branches of the Ajax Public Library include public access to computers and free wireless internet.[11] The library also loans mobile hotspots, which can be borrowed for up to 21 days.[11]
Digital content
An Ajax Public Library card gives access to different online services such as audiobooks, e-books, comics, and graphic novels, digital newspapers and magazines, movies and TV shows, and music.[12]
The library is partnered with Hoopla, which free offers access to different media such as audiobooks, ebooks, music and TV shows.[12]
Ajax Archives
The Ajax Archives was established by town council in 2010. In 2022, the management of the archives was transferred from the Town of Ajax to the Ajax Public Library.[1] The archives contain a collection of municipal records of permanent value and include photos, documents, and books. Many items in the collection have been digitized and can be accessed online.[13]
Branches
Branch
Address
Notes
Opened
Image
Main Branch
55 Harwood Ave S, Ajax, ON L1S 2H8
Part of the municipal complex that contains Ajax Town Hall.
