“Books and fresh air anyone?” Imagine stepping into a place where stories bloom. That place is the Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler. This Montreal public library is in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. It stands at 5434 Avenue du Parc.
Before 2015, it was the Mile End Library. The city renamed it to honor Mordecai Richler. Richler was a writer who lived nearby. He captured the area’s spirit in his books.
Let’s step back to 1904. The building was originally the Church of the Ascension. Architect Howard Colton Stone designed it. In 1988, the church was put up for sale. The Mile End citizens wanted to preserve it. They asked Montreal to turn it into a library. Everyone agreed.
The city bought the church. Architect Albert Paquette oversaw the conversion. The Mile End Library opened in 1982. It was initially at 5253 Avenue du Parc. Over time, it needed more space. The old church became its new home.
On March 12, 2015, the library got a new name. It became the Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler. Mordecai Richler was a famous Jewish writer. He grew up on Saint-Urbain Street. His work reflected the neighborhood’s diversity. The library’s story mirrors this mix. An Anglican church became a public library. It now bears the name of a Jewish writer.
Inside the Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler, you can find many activities. There are shows, workshops, and conferences. These take place in a multipurpose room. The library has sections for adults and kids. The youth area includes a Teen Zone. It opened in 2012. This space has a flat screen for media and films. It also features books, games, and comics.
Need to get online? There are computers available. You can use them to browse the internet. You can also access digital resources. Wi-Fi is free in both the adult and youth sections.
Feeling peckish? A cafe zone sits between the adult section and the elevator. It has tables for snacks and drinks. A coffee machine is available.
The Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler is accessible to all. It has a wheelchair ramp and an elevator. Outside, you’ll find a mini-park. Benches invite you to read in the open air. A play area is available for young children. The library owns this park.
The Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler offers many services. You can borrow books and documents for free. The library also has a digital collection. This includes e-books, newspapers, and language courses.
The library offers a unique space called the Ruche d’art. Here, people can explore their creativity. They can share their skills. Activities include crafts, visual arts, knitting, and sewing.
For those with limited mobility, the library provides accessible services. These include large-print books and audiobooks. Wheelchairs are available to borrow. Home book delivery is offered.
Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler also loans outdoor equipment. You can borrow snowshoes, sleds, and walking sticks.
Step inside the Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler. Discover a place where stories come alive. Experience the welcoming atmosphere of the Biblioth\u00e8que Mordecai-Richler.