A woman reading a newspaper near the fireplace at the Eastside Branch

Eastside Branch

2001 University Avenue East
Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 5E2
519-886-1310

Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:30am to 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday
9:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday
Closed
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Parking
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Discover Something New at the Eastside Branch

The Eastside Branch is the newest addition to Waterloo Public Library. Located at the RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, the Eastside Branch boasts specialized creative spaces, quiet study areas, a nature education space and lots of natural light. Peruse the vinyl collection, record a podcast, go for a hike or use a 3D printer – all at the Eastside Branch.

Young business people using tablet discussing the future structure of their organization at meeting.

Rentable Space

There is one multi-purpose room available for rent at the Eastside Branch.
A young adult works on a laptop in a study room at the Eastside Branch

Study Spaces & Study Areas

There are two bookable study rooms, a laptop bar, and lounge areas, all equipped with ample seating, tables, and access to power outlets.
A father plays with his toddler in the Children's Area at the Eastside Branch

Children's Area

Enjoy a children's area with toys and activities to create a fun and educational space for young library visitors.

Digital studio microphone against a purple backdrop

Digispace

A digital recording studio with high-end audio and video components.
A teenager uses a computer in the Gamerspace

Gamerspace & Public Computers

A multi-use area with public computer access as well as a social gaming environment.
The Naturespace at the Eastside Branch with raised flower boxes, a water table for kids, tables and shade structures.

Naturespace

An outdoor space that is used for dynamic programming, lounging and educational activities for all ages.

Close up of honeybees flying into a hive entrance

Teaching Beehive

An active beehive that is an educational and environmental initiative, highlighting the importance of bees and biodiversity within our community.
Close up of a 3D printer

3D Printing

Design and print your very own 3D objects.
Large format printer at the Eastside Branch printing a giant colouring sheet

Large Format Printing

Print high-quality posters, banners, and more.

The Maker Bar at the Eastside Branch with the laminator, button makers and Cricut sitting on the counter.

Maker Bar

Our Maker Bar offers a range of creative tools including a laminator, button makers and the versatile Cricut Maker, designed to empower your crafting and DIY projects with precision and ease.
A woman sits and reads a book and listens to a vinyl record at the Eastside Branch

Vinyl Listening Station

Music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich, analog sounds of vinyl records, offering a unique and nostalgic experience for all.

Close up of a light therapy lamp

Light Therapy Lamp

Boost your mood while you read or study in the library with a high-quality light therapy lamp.

The Forest of Curiosities

The Forest of Curiosities is a stunning, large-scale graphic installation at the Eastside Branch, created by local artist Lucy Bilson. Featuring beautiful illustrations, it tells the story of the wildlife and species native to the surrounding area.

Learn More
Close up of a section of the Forest of Curiosities mural at the Eastside Branch

Unique Items at the Eastside Branch

In addition to a wide variety of books in English for readers of all ages, you can browse and borrow these unique collections at the Eastside Branch. Please note that many of these items can be placed on hold to be picked up at a different location.

Vinyl Records
Ice Skates

Cannot be placed on hold

Explore Nature Kits
Nordic Walking Poles
Bike Locks

Cannot be placed on hold

Books for Children in Other Languages

French

Portals Eastside Branch Public Art

Portals

Lucy Bilson (2022) | Eastside Branch Public Art

Portals, strategically placed at the entrance of the Eastside Branch, serves as a symbolic gateway into the multifaceted experiences awaiting within the library. Each sculptural panel signifies different aspects: community, curation, and creativity. The artwork invites contemplation on the library as more than a physical space, but as a portal offering educational, community-building, and imaginative opportunities.

Eastside Branch FAQ

  • Where can I park? Is parking free?

    Free parking is available in any of the lots at the RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex.

  • How do I get to the library by bus or ION?

    The following routes stop near the Eastside Branch: 

    • Route 202 iXpress (stop at RIM Park) 
    • Route 301 Light Rail Transit (get off at Conestoga Mall and take the 202 iXpress to RIM Park)

    Learn more about the ION, including the schedule and fares, on the Grand River Transit website.

  • Where can I return my books?

    During open hours you can return books to the returns slot inside the library, located across from the front desk. There is an exterior returns slot that can be accessed at all times at the rear of the library, directly inside the sliding doors. 

    You can return Waterloo Public Library books to ANY Waterloo Public Library location. 

  • Do you offer fax services?

    No, we do not offer fax services. The nearest fax services are located at: 

    • The UPS Store (55 Northfield Drive, Waterloo) 
    • Staples (620 King Street North, Waterloo)

    We do offer free scanning to email and paid printing services. Please visit our Wifi, Printing & Photocopying page for more details. 

  • Do you have a public pay phone?

    There are several public pay phones located throughout RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex. The closest pay phone to the library is located just inside of entrance D.

  • Is somewhere I can charge my phone?

    Yes! There are charging ports and plugs available at all of our study tables and at the Bring Your Own Device Bar. Charging cords for Apple devices and Android devices can be borrowed from staff at the front desk.

Need a library card?

Getting a library card is your passport to a world of learning and discovery. With just a simple online application process, you can access a treasure trove of books, digital resources, exciting services, and cool things to borrow.

Get a Card