Holiday Closure Notice: All WPL locations will close at 1:30pm on Tuesday, December 24 and will remain closed until Friday, December 27. For full holiday closure information, click here.

Woman sitting in a chair at the McCormick Branch reading

McCormick Branch

500 Parkside Drive
Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 5J4
519-886-1310

Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:30am to 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday
9:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday
Closed
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Check Out the McCormick Branch

The McCormick Branch is nestled in the heart of the Lakeshore neighbourhood, providing exciting resources to its residents. The second oldest of Waterloo Public Library’s locations, the McCormick Branch is small but mighty and is part of the Albert McCormick Community Centre which features a large outdoor play area, splash pad and skate park.

The Children's Area at the McCormick Branch

Children's Area

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

A woman takes a shot on the basketball court outside of the McCormick Branch

Outdoor Recreation Area

A multi-purpose space designed by the City of Waterloo with a skatepark, splash pad, accessible basketball court, climbing structure, and plenty of seating areas.

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.

Unique Items at the McCormick 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 McCormick Branch. Please note that many of these items can be placed on hold to be picked up at a different location.

Outdoor Sports Equipment & Lawn Games

Cannot be placed on hold - available May to September

Hockey Skates for All Ages

Cannot be placed on hold - available October to April

Bike Locks

Cannot be placed on hold

DVDs for All Ages
CDs for All Ages
Books for Children in Other Languages

French

McCormick Branch FAQ

  • Where can I park? Is parking free?

    Free parking is available on the street or in any of the parking lots at the Albert McCormick Community Centre. 

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

    The following routes stop near the McCormick Branch: 

    • Route 9 Lakeshore 
    • Route 301 Light Rail Transit (Research and Technology stop)

    The Research and Technology stop is approximately a 15 minute walk from the McCormick Branch, or transfer to the Route 9 Lakeshore bus route. 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 hand your items directly to staff or leave them on the small black cart located beside the front desk. There is an exterior returns bin that can be accessed at all times directly beside the exterior entrance to the library. 

    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: 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?

    Yes, there is a public pay phone located outside the doors to the library (near the entrance to the Community Room and washrooms). There is another pay phone inside the Albert McCormick Community Centre, located between the two ice rinks. 

  • Is there somewhere I can charge my phone?

    Yes! We have a charging station available to use, located on the study tables, equipped with USB C, Micro B and Lightning (Apple) charging cables.

  • Can I book the Community Room?

    The Community Room is part of the Albert McCormick Community Centre. To book the space please refer to the City of Waterloo’s website.

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.