Oshawa Public Libraries will temporarily close the Jess Hann Branch in September for a renovation project designed to refresh the long-running south Oshawa location.
The Jess Hann Branch closure is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Oshawa Public Libraries currently lists the branch as closed for renovations through Monday, Oct. 12. The project will include new carpeting and interior painting, giving the branch an updated look ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2027.
The Jess Hann Branch opened in 1977 and has continued to serve residents from its location at 199 Wentworth St. W. During the temporary closure, library users will still have several options for borrowing materials, returning items and managing existing holds.
Returns and library holds during closure
An exterior return box will remain available outside the Jess Hann Branch so customers can return borrowed materials while the building is closed. Patrons who have already selected the branch as their pickup location for holds can continue collecting those items there until 5 p.m. on Sept. 3.
After that deadline, holds that would normally be picked up at Jess Hann will be redirected to the McLaughlin Branch. Customers who do not want their holds transferred can temporarily suspend them through their online library accounts and retain their place in the queue until the branch is available again. Library staff can also assist customers with managing their holds.
The Jess Hann Branch closure will not affect Oshawa Public Libraries’ three other full-service locations. The McLaughlin Branch is located at 65 Debwewin Miikan, the John Aker Northview Branch is at 250 Beatrice St. E., and the Delpark Homes Centre Branch is at 1661 Harmony Rd. N.
Residents can also use the library kiosk at the Civic Recreation Complex, located at 99 Thornton Rd. S. The kiosk provides access to a smaller selection of books and includes a return bin for borrowed materials.
Renovations will refresh aging branch
The renovation is part of Oshawa Public Libraries’ broader effort to maintain and improve its facilities. Municipal budget documents for 2026 identify carpet replacement and painting at Jess Hann as a planned facility improvement, with up to $100,000 recommended for the work. The documents note that the branch’s carpet had been in place for approximately 20 years.
The Jess Hann Branch is the smallest location in the Oshawa Public Libraries system and is the only branch south of Highway 401. City facility planning documents describe it as a 7,500-square-foot leased location in a retail plaza. Despite its smaller footprint, the branch continues to provide public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning and other library services.
The temporary closure may require some customers to adjust where they pick up materials or access in-person services for several weeks. Library users are encouraged to check their accounts and plan for the Sept. 8 closure, particularly if they have holds scheduled for pickup at Jess Hann.
With the renovation focused on carpeting and interior painting, the project is intended to improve the branch’s appearance and maintain the space for future community use. Customers can continue using Oshawa Public Libraries’ other branches and online services while the Jess Hann Branch closure is in effect.
