Stamford Centre library has a long history of expansions

At the beginning of this month, a Niagara Falls Public Library event occurred which many people in the Stamford area are very excited about.

Finally, after pandemic labour disruptions and supply chain shortages, the new larger and vastly improved Stamford Centre library reopened after being closed since December 2021. Lasting for the past 67 years, the library has a long history in Stamford.

The first Stamford Centre library opened on June 22, 1957. It was on the southeast corner of Portage Road and Vine Street in a former Canadian Bank of Commerce building (currently the People’s Variety Store). Although financed by the Stamford Township council, the new library worked closely with the Niagara Falls Public Library board. That way, costs could be shared and the smaller Stamford library would benefit from shared resources and professional staff.

The new library had a separate section for boys and girls in the basement, which was decorated in shades of pale coral and grey. The adult section featured pale green walls and cream coloured shelves. The official grand opening took place on Sept. 26, 1957, and was attended by many local dignitaries.

In 1962, it was decided a move across the street into larger quarters was in order. A new building was to be constructed by the Town and Country Plaza just north of the building that was erected for bowling alleys (Fine Kettle ‘O’ Fish was later at this location for several years).

This followed a new trend to house library branches in shopping plazas where there was ample parking. That way, families could combine shopping trips with a weekly visit to the library. Municipal officials also liked the fact students would no longer have to cross a busy street to get to the library.

By 1974, the Stamford Centre library again outgrew its location and was moved into a 365-square-metre facility in the plaza proper, which had formerly been occupied by a hardware store. The new larger space was almost double in size and allowed for a separate children’s story-telling area, as well as an all-purpose room that could be used for programs and crafts. The new branch location had 19,000 books and 5,300 card-carrying members.

It wasn’t until 1986 that the Stamford Centre library grew again. The library expanded to the space directly next door and moved children’s services to this new space. The children enjoyed their very own entrance, as well as a more spacious play area featuring the big red barn and dollhouse units. Once the children had their own space, the adult department was highlighted by wider aisles and a more spacious lounge area.

It is hard to believe that more than 35 years went by without any significant changes to the Stamford Centre library. As the community continued to grow, it was decided a complete renovation and expansion was necessary. The new, larger library is fully accessible and features comfortable new furniture and a modern design esthetic.

When you visit, be sure to check out the original Stamford Centre library sign hanging directly above the mystery fiction shelves. There is also a Stamford library display in our new local history cabinet for you to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you soon.