Clarington Library, Museums & Archives Announces Transformation of Bowmanville Library

For immediate release

Clarington Library, Museums & Archives Announces Transformation of Bowmanville Library

Renovation to Integrate Museum Collections and Heritage Services, Modernize Library Services, as well as Introduce Community-Driven Café

May 26, 2026—The Clarington Public Library Board is proud to announce a visionary renovation of the Bowmanville Library. This project reimagines the Bowmanville Library as a destination for culture, learning, connection, and local heritage, seamlessly blending modern library services with Clarington's rich history.

The renovation will integrate museum and archival services directly into the library environment. By embedding heritage exhibits within one of Clarington's most frequented public spaces, CLMA is ensuring that local history is more accessible and visible than ever before.

"The Clarington Public Library Board is excited to announce a renovation of the Bowmanville Library. This renovation is about creating a welcoming, knowledge-rich destination where residents can connect with local history, culture, technology, and one another in new and meaningful ways," said Tenzin Shomar, Library Board Chair. "Libraries and museum have always evolved with their communities, and this is Clarington's next chapter."

Community-Informed Design
The project is currently in the community engagement phase. CLMA is committed to a collaborative process and is actively seeking input from residents, customers, and stakeholders to ensure the final design reflects the community it serves.

Community members are encouraged to participate in one of the community engagement sessions at the Bowmanville Library with the architects for the project, Reich & Petch:

• Wednesday, June 3, 3:30-4:30pm
• Monday, June 8, 5:30-6:30pm

"We need the community's voice to shape this space," said Monika Machacek, CEO of Clarington Library, Museums & Archives. "Public feedback is how the renovated space will reflect the evolving needs of public and cultural spaces."

How Else to Get Involved
Residents are invited to visit www.cplma.ca/renovation to review the concepts and provide feedback. Here, you can:

• Explore project details and updates;
• View concept renderings;
• Participate in the community feedback survey; and
• Help name the new café.

Shared Stories, Shared Spaces: Built Around Community
The redesigned branch is imagined featuring:

• Integrated museum exhibits on each floor showcasing Clarington's local history and archival collections;
• Meeting rooms accessible to a wide range of community groups;
• The children's heritage play village to spark curiosity about our local history; and
• A social enterprise cafe designed to foster connection and provide inclusive local employment opportunities.

"As both a member of Council and a Library Board member, I've seen firsthand how much this project means to our community," said Councillor Lloyd Rang. "Bringing the museum, archives, and library together under one roof isn't just a renovation—it's a statement about the kind of community Clarington wants to be. I'm proud to help make it happen."

At this time, only minimal disruptions to the Bowmanville Library or the Sarah Jane Williams Museum are anticipated during the renovation process.

Following the renovation, the Sarah Jane Williams Museum will continue to provide secure storage for artifacts and archival materials not on exhibit, while serving as a venue for cultural programming and by-appointment archival access.

About Clarington Library, Museums & Archives
Clarington Library, Museums & Archives (CLMA) connects the community through literacy, culture, history, learning, and innovation. Through library services, museum experiences, archival collections, and community programming, CLMA provides welcoming spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and belonging for residents of all ages.

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Contact:
Samantha Aitken
Manager, Marketing & Community Engagement
Clarington Library, Museums & Archives
saitken@cplma.ca