Residents frustrated by prolonged library closure at Markham's Milliken branch

Library has been closed since March 2020

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 3, 2022
Irene Wong

It has been two-and-a-half years since the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library closed its doors to the community.

The community centre and library complex, which has always been a community hub for residents in the Milliken neighbourhood, has been closed since March 2020. Residents understood the closure due to the special circumstances during the pandemic, but they now say it is time to end the prolonged closure.

“Kids can play games, read cartoon books, elderly can enjoy reading magazine/newspapers, students can study/do homework, adults can enjoy some moments of peacefulness in a relaxed and literature environment out of their busy lives,” said Doris Allan, who has raised resident concerns to various departments of the city.

“We asked the city on the reopening date last year, and we were told renovation will be complete or the facility will reopen in spring 2022. Then we learned it's been delayed again, and no one can tell when residents can regain access to their local library and community centre,” said Allan.

Residents say they feel stuck in the never-ending delay.

The delay for reopening has also been followed on Reddit.

“Just wondering if anyone knows why the library at Milliken Mills is still closed after 2 years!" read a thread on Sept. 20.

Markham Ward 8 Counc. Isa Lee said city staff advised that the swimming pool will tentatively reopen Oct. 1 and will be followed by the reopening of the library a bit later.

Diane Macklin, director, community engagement, of Markham Public Library, confirmed they are working toward a fall reopening. However, she does not rule out the potential for further delays.

“There are many factors that impact construction projects, which make it difficult to provide an exact date at this time. As updates are available, we will communicate these through our website and social media,” she said.

“The delay is unfortunate," she added. “The renovations are complex and will enhance the user experience and accessibility. We are confident the public will see a positive difference once the branch reopens.”

To make up for the residents are park “popups,” which offer “mini library experiences” in spring and summer. In addition, organizations in the community are invited to have the library visit them to talk about library services and to demonstrate how to use the digital collections.

Allan remains frustrated, however.

“Not sure what ‘a bit later’ means," she said. "Residents have had no library since March 2020. Indeed, it is quite ‘unfortunate’ with this kind of bureaucracy. Residents never pay taxes ‘a bit later,’ and it keeps increasing. At the end of the day, what can you do?”