Construction on the newest addition to the Windsor Public Library system, the W.F. CHISHOLM BRANCH (1075 Ypres Avenue), was completed well ahead of schedule and will officially open at a Saturday, October 21 ceremony, which begins at 1:30 pm.  Community members are welcome to attend.

The new $2.46 million, 6,500 sq. ft. library is a 21st. century facility with a distinctly automotive theme and connects to the west end of the Optimist Community Centre on Ypres Avenue in South Walkerville.  Designed by Dan Amicone of Architecttura Inc., of Windsor, Ontario, construction began in late 2016.  The total collection size will be 22,000 volumes comprising print, audio, video and multilingual resources for children, teens, adults and seniors, public computers, WIFI, study space, cutting edge technical resources and the space to house a 4,600 volume Automotive Archive.

City of Windsor Mayor and WPL Library Board Chair Drew Dilkens said the new branch is a truly fitting tribute to local automotive history.  “Windsor is Canada’s Motor City and this new library taps into our heritage through innovative design and layout.  The new South Walkerville facility will also ensure the community remains strong and vibrant and our automotive heritage isn’t forgotten.  The Automotive Archive is a fascinating window into an important part of Windsor-Essex history and a must-see visit for everyone.”

In partnership with Rose City Ford Sales Limited and the Chisholm family, the Windsor Public Library Board and City Council announced earlier this year that the new library will be named the W.F. CHISHOLM BRANCH.  City Council and the Windsor Public Library Board both unanimously approved bestowing the honour on Mr. Chisholm, a well-respected local automotive executive and founder of Rose City Ford Sales Limited.

Windsor Public Library CEO Kitty Pope said that the opening of the new library is a continuation of unprecedented change for WPL.  “The WPL Board has provided a roadmap for a sustainable public library system that will serve Windsorites as our city evolves over the next 20+ years.  Much of the credit for this plan goes to former library board chair, Dr. Peter Frise.  This iconic facility is a building we will want to return to again and again.”

To do justice to the designs and develop facilities of which we can all be justly proud, the Windsor Public Library Board committed to launching a Capital Campaign to enhance the amenities and materials at W.F. Chisholm and ensure they make an impact and that the community returns again and again to experience the branch.

“We would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the community-minded individuals who believe in public libraries. They have chosen to leave a lasting legacy in our community and they are led by the Chisholm Family.  Thank you John and Sophia for your willingness to become involved in this project and thank you for allowing us to honour Bill and your family in this way,” said CEO Pope.

Thanks also go to Chisholm family members Cathy, Margo, Martha, Mary and Ann Marie for their generous contribution. And to the Ford Motor Company of Canada and Caesars Windsor for recognizing the merit of this project.  Local business man Goran Todorovic and his wife Danielle are also to be commended for their generosity as is the Pope Family, which has a long history of involvement in the automotive industry as well as staff who believe so much in the project, they wanted to become involved.