About the Cambridge Public Library
Idea Exchange supports and inspires the exploration of reading, arts, innovation, and learning. Idea Exchange is transforming the way people experience their public library and gallery spaces. Through using the arts and new technologies, Idea Exchange is creating an environment of curiosity and discovery for people of all ages.

There are currently six Idea Exchange locations in the city of Cambridge:

Queen’s Square – a public library and art gallery. This location features a grand piano for music performances and a large children’s department.

Preston – a public library and art gallery. Home to the Preston Community Garden and a Seed Library.

Hespeler – a public library that has a comfortable reading area with fireplace and open children’s area.

Clemens Mill – a public library that also serves as the school library for St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, and features a children’s area and mini makerspace.

Old Post Office – Canada’s first all-digital library, which includes Creative Studios, Discovery Centre, Makerspace, and Heritage Reading Room (with Monigram café).

Design at Riverside – an art gallery and printmaking studio located within the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

Membership to all Idea Exchange locations is free, providing access to library materials and services, online courses, databases, and a variety of programs and events. Membership also provides free admission to art exhibitions at Cambridge Art Galleries and to over a hundred public art galleries across Ontario.

Digital collections are an expanding part of what Idea Exchange offers. Lynda.com and Kanopy are just two online services members have access to, which offer courses in technology, software, business, and creative skills and more than 30,000 films for adults and children.