Building a Third Place, A Home Away from Home
Step into Crouch Branch Library, and you’ll find a warm, welcoming space where people are seen and supported. One moment, a child’s excitement contagiously fills the Library as they discover a brand-new book; the next, a jobseeker drops in to get help with their resume, allowing our community to connect in meaningful ways. No matter the reason for their visit, many find that Crouch is more than just a Library—it’s a second home.
“Crouch is a place where you’re always welcome. The staff take the time to get to know you, and the Library itself is such a big part of the neighbourhood—it wouldn’t be the same without it,” says Branch Supervisor Rachel Weisdorf. That sense of belonging is what makes Crouch a true ‘third place’—a space outside of home and work where community members gather, engage, and support one another.
Named after Richard E. Crouch, one of London Public Library’s Chief Librarians, Crouch Branch Library has been a cornerstone of the neighbourhood for generations. In fact, the entire area—Crouch Neighbourhood—owes its name to this branch. Originally housed in a small house on this very site, the Library has grown alongside the community it serves.
With recent improvements—enhanced lighting, refreshed seating areas, and a vibrant children’s section—the Library continues to evolve while keeping its heart firmly in place.
Moments of Connection at the Library
For many, the Library offers more than books—it’s a place of support, discovery, and connection. It’s in the small but meaningful moments that Crouch truly shines. A friendly conversation, a helping hand, or a simple book recommendation—these small moments leave a lasting impact.
Branch Supervisor Rachel Weisdorf shared some of these moments:
- A woman searching for work once struggled to access a computer. Our staff stepped in to guide her through the process. Months later, we ran into her again—this time, at her new workplace. "You helped me," she said, beaming. "I got the job."
- "I don’t know what I’d do without the Library," a senior visitor shared one morning as she made her usual rounds, greeting staff with a smile.
- A child rushed in the other day, eyes lighting up at the sight of the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid on display—brand new, crisp, and waiting just for them.
- A local author came in, nervous but excited, needing help to print the first copy of her book.
These experiences happen every day at Crouch. “We have a lot of people who come in not just for books, but for the connection,” says Weisdorf. “We run a book club, and a knitting program, and see many of the same faces regularly. It’s not a place where people just pick up a hold and leave—they stay, they chat, they build relationships. Just recently, a book club member came in after missing a few sessions just to say, ‘I’m doing okay. I just wanted you to know.’ It’s that kind of place.”
Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre: A Community Partnership
Providing space for the Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre to operate in the same facility makes the Library even more vital. Together, we offer food support, housing assistance, job search help, outreach programs, and one of the busiest tax clinics in the system.
For some, Crouch is the only place they can turn to. The Resource Centre’s food cupboard ensures that those struggling between food bank visits don’t go hungry. The after-school program offers kids a safe place to go, where they’re greeted with a snack and a smile. On cold days, people stop in just to warm up, but often, they leave with something more—a Library card, a book recommendation, or even just a renewed sense of belonging.
This partnership strengthens the entire community, offering a bridge between essential services and the enriching world of the Library. Families who first visit the Resource Centre soon discover the Library, and Library visitors find new support through the Centre, creating a cycle of care and connection.
A Lasting Impact
At Crouch, the relationships between staff and patrons run deep. A homeschooling parent calls in with a question, recognizing a familiar voice on the line, "You're that Rachel!"—a connection built over years of Library visits and summer programs. Our Librarians remember names, faces, and stories, proving that the care here is genuine.
And then there are the little moments that make a big difference—the handmade holiday cards from children proudly displayed in the window, the notes from summer reading club participants, the whispered "thanks" that mean the world.
Crouch Branch Library continues to be a cornerstone of the Hamilton Road community, offering knowledge, warmth, and a place to belong. Whether you're stopping by for a program, seeking resources, or just looking for a welcoming place to spend time, we invite you to visit and see what makes Crouch so special.
