Most people who grow up in Mississauga have a story about the Central Library. It’s one of those civic institutions that sits in the background of a city’s collective memory — school trips, summer reading programs, homework sessions, a reliable air-conditioned refuge on the hottest July afternoons, and a community gathering point in every sense. For visitors to the city, it’s one of the most underrated free attractions in Mississauga, sitting steps from Square One, Celebration Square, and Kariya Park in the heart of the city centre.
The library was renamed Hazel McCallion Central Library in honour of Mississauga’s legendary mayor, who served the city for 36 years and shaped its development more than any other single person in its history. The naming is appropriate — the library, like McCallion herself, has become an institution that residents take a quiet pride in but rarely stop to fully appreciate.
The Collection and Resources
As part of one of the largest public library systems in Canada, the Hazel McCallion Central Library holds an extensive collection of books, magazines, DVDs, comics, games, and digital resources available across 18 Mississauga branches — but the Central Library is the flagship. With over one million items available across the system, requests for items not held at the Central Library can be transferred from any branch, typically within a few days.
Digital resources available with a free library card include e-books, audiobooks, streaming films, language learning platforms, and academic databases — a collection that rivals many paid subscription services and costs cardholders nothing.
Makerspaces: More Than Books
One of the Central Library’s most distinctive features is its Makerspace program — dedicated spaces equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, recording equipment, and other tools available to library card holders at no cost. The Makerspace at Hazel McCallion regularly runs workshops covering everything from 3D printing basics to digital audio production, and the equipment is bookable in advance through the library’s online system.
For residents and visitors who want to try a technology or creative tool they don’t own, the library’s Makerspace is one of the best free resources in the entire GTA. Very few libraries anywhere in Canada offer this level of equipment access at no cost.
Programs and Events
The library’s programming calendar is genuinely active — running year-round and covering an unusual range of interests and ages. Current programs include:
Midday Melodies — a free lunchtime concert series bringing live music into the library on weekday afternoons, designed as a midday escape for the surrounding office community and anyone who wants a 45-minute cultural break.
Summer Reading Programs — Canada’s largest bilingual summer reading program for children ages 3–12 runs through June and July, celebrating Canadian authors, illustrators, and stories. Registration is free and open to all library card holders.
Youth Summer Series — for older children and teenagers, the Youth Summer Series runs concurrent challenges, creative programs, and author talks through the summer months.
Pride Month Programming — in June, the library runs a series of events celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ stories, creativity, and community, including readings, workshops, and community gatherings. All events free and open to the public.
Author Talks — the library regularly hosts both local and nationally recognized authors for readings and conversations. The programming skews literary and community-focused rather than celebrity-driven, which gives these events a quality that larger paid events sometimes lack.
English Conversation Classes and newcomer settlement services are also offered, reflecting Mississauga’s significant immigrant population and the library’s role as a community integration resource.
Board Games and Group Spaces
A detail that surprises many first-time visitors: the library maintains a collection of board games available for in-library use. Groups can borrow games and use the library’s common areas for an afternoon of play — a free option that’s become popular with families, students, and anyone looking for a social activity that doesn’t cost anything.
Group study rooms and quiet reading rooms are available and can be booked in advance through the library’s website. The distinction between quiet zones and more active areas is generally well-maintained, making the library workable for both focused study and more social visits simultaneously.
Getting There and Parking
The library sits at the intersection of Burnhamthorpe Road West and Living Arts Drive, steps from Celebration Square and one block from Square One Shopping Centre.
By transit: MiWay bus stop 1498 (Living Arts Drive at City Centre Drive) and bus stop 1511 (Living Arts Drive at Burnhamthorpe Road) both serve the library directly.
By car: Indoor accessible paid parking is available off Duke of York Boulevard. Parking is free on weekdays after 6:00 PM and free all day on weekends — meaning evening and weekend visits cost nothing for parking. The adjacent Square One Shopping Centre parking (free with no time limit on upper levels) is within a five-minute walk and a convenient alternative on busy days.
Ten electric vehicle charging stations are available on Parking Level 3 of the library parkade.
The building is fully wheelchair accessible with a ramped main entrance, accessible washrooms on all floors, and accessible parking immediately adjacent.
Mississauga Address: 301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y3 Phone: (905) 615-3200 Website: mississauga.ca/library Price: Free
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (hours vary on statutory holidays — check mississauga.ca/library before visiting)
