Kitchener library available for weddings
Beginning in August, downtown branch can be booked on some Sundays
KITCHENER — Here’s a novel idea for a wedding venue — the Kitchener Public Library.
Beginning next month, the downtown Central Library will host wedding ceremonies on select Sundays.
The 90-minute packages include a wedding officiant, bookthemed decorations, personalized digital invitations and a sound bundle. Up to 30 guests can attend, and the $999 packages include 30 minutes of wedding photography time inside the branch, which underwent an award-winning architectural transformation a few years ago.
The library has hosted weddings before, as well as engagement and wedding photo shoots, but those were one-off events born of special requests that the library accommodated, said marketing and communications manager Shirley Luu.
“We’ve kind of dabbled in this a little bit,” she said. “We’re exploring different ways to use
the library space.”
From a practical perspective, it’s a beautiful, naturally lit space, centrally located, with ample parking on-site. But Luu
says the library holds special meaning for many in the community. Maybe it’s where a couple met, or spent time together studying as students.
“The library has so many diehard fans,” Luu said. “We have a lot of people who see the library as a community hub that’s played an integral role in their lives.”
The ceremonies are a potential revenue generator as well, providing funds that will be funneled back into library services and programs in an effort to make them more accessible to all.
Luu said its launch as a wedding venue could pave the way for the library’s use for other unique events and activities.
“We would love to see this grow,” she said.
All Kitchener Public Library locations are closed to the public on Sundays. Wedding times are currently available on Aug. 22 and 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, and Luu said they can accommodate up to five ceremonies per day.
A release notes that the library is an inclusive space, where all love is welcome.
To kick off the launch, the library is giving away a free wedding ceremony; the winning couple will be able to pick from select 2021 dates. For more information, or to enter the contest, visit www.kpl.org/weddings.