20 Reasons to Love Calgary’s New Central Library
By: Deanna McArthur
The long-awaited grand opening of Calgary’s new Central Library has come and gone. Thousands of Calgarians have passed through this amazing building since it opened in November.
If you have taken some time to check out the library and all that it has to offer, there is no doubt you were impressed and awed by its 240,000 square feet, spectacular architecture, and 450,000 new books and collections.
The library is so much more than a building of books, there are countless free programs, services, and useful spaces. We were lucky enough to go on a tour of the Central Library earlier this year and thought we would share some of our favourite things about the building.
Here’s 20 reasons to love Calgary’s New Central Library:
"Our free programs are widely used by our members at all library locations," said the Library. "At the Central Library, during November 2018, 8,200 people attended more than 450 programs. Calgary Public Library's free programs fit perfectly with our mission: empowering community by connecting you to ideas and experiences, inspiration, and insight."
Construction of the new Central Library began in May 2014. The building took 740 days to construct and was completed on time and on budget. The library holds over 180 tonnes of books, which means that the floors were designed to manage that weight.
Some highlights of the architecture include:
The Prow: juts out over the mouth of the tunnel that encases the LRT line. The top floor of the Prow boasts the best views of the city.
The Archway: The soffit of the building, framed with western red wood cedar sourced from BC doubles as a pedestrian thoroughfare. The passageway contains about 170 wood panels and provides a new visual and pedestrian connection between East Village and downtown.
The Oculus: A central skylight that celebrates Calgary’s famously sunny skies and brings natural light into the building.
Curtain wall: The unique glass panels that form the curtain wall come in one of five different shapes. They have a clear, glazed or fritted finish, and were strategically places to prevent heat build-up inside.
"The most popular activities in the space are studying in groups, playing board games, and the video games," said the Library. "Most of our teen patrons really appreciate that the space is only for teens."
The resident is invited to work in a designated space at the Central Library and engage with the public through programs such as open studio time, interactive workshops, and lectures.
The general public can come to the library to meet with the Artist in Residence, review the art displayed, ask questions about pursuing a career in art, ask for an informal critique of their own work, and more. The current Artist in Residence at the time of writing this blog was Nicole Wolf, a visual storyteller, focused on themes of spirituality, wholeness, and human interaction.
“This is a great opportunity for artists to enjoy some community engagement, and try their hand at being a resource for the visitors to the library.” said Wolf.
The resident is invited to work in a bright, designated office space and engage with the public through programs such as open office hours, interactive workshops, and lectures. They are invited to curate an exhibit at the Central Library which will be displayed each May.
The current Historian in Residence at the time of writing this blog was Kevin Allen. Kevin has been documenting queer people and events for over 25 years, writing for local and national LGBTQ media. He is a career arts administrator with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, from the University of Victoria.
The Author in Residence delivers programs and acts as a mentor to writers in the community, reviewing manuscripts, and providing constructive criticism and advice during individual consultations. They offer encouragement and a critical eye to beginning writers seeking to find their own literary voice, as well as to established writers who desire a professional appraisal of their work.
"The goal of the CNOOC North America Digital Commons is to provide patrons a space where they can use various technologies to collaborate and innovate," said the Library. "Level 3 is a hub of digital technology, modelled on information commons and open design studios. During our opening month (November), Central Library saw more than 15,000 computer sessions and 18,000 print jobs."
TRIO was installed on the library’s east and west outdoor plaza spaces. Each piece measures nine to 10 meters tall and moves like a pendulum to create a visual choreography. The interior installation FISH is a book wall that employs nearly 11,000 books whose spines, in 12 different colours, creates the image of a fish.
"Central Library was designed to be a welcoming place for all," said the Library.
The new Central Library truly has something for everyone, and we think Calgarians agree. During its opening month (November), Calgary Public Library saw 7,600 new members sign up for free library cards.
We are proud to provide our ongoing support for Calgary’s public library system. For the next 10 years, 100% of our net profits will be donated to the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
Calgarians can feel good about paying for their utilities, knowing that, that money is going to a great cause each month. Haven’t made the switch to Sandstone Energy to support the public library system yet? It’s simple and risk free. Switch, support and save today. Use promo code CPLF2019 and get $25 off your first bill.
If you're not a Calgary Public Library member, become one today! Visit any library location to receive a free card or sign up online. Your card gives you access to books, eBooks, programs, online resources, up to $5 of free printing per month, free bookable meeting rooms around the city, plus much more. Pick up a Welcome Brochure at any library to learn about all the benefits your card gives you or read their list of 15 library card perks you need to know about.
If you have taken some time to check out the library and all that it has to offer, there is no doubt you were impressed and awed by its 240,000 square feet, spectacular architecture, and 450,000 new books and collections.
The library is so much more than a building of books, there are countless free programs, services, and useful spaces. We were lucky enough to go on a tour of the Central Library earlier this year and thought we would share some of our favourite things about the building.
Here’s 20 reasons to love Calgary’s New Central Library:
1. Sustainability
The library was built to be as sustainable as it is beautiful and functional. It was designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification and meets a wide range of tough, specific criteria for green building practices. Some of the features of the building that contribute to the sustainability of the building include the 485 exterior panels which are uniquely shaped and bring different levels of light into the building. The triple glazed glass used reduces heat loss and solar gain throughout the year.2. Free Programs
The Calgary Public Library offers hundreds of in-person programs for Calgarians from all stages and walks of life. From baby rhyme time, to drop-in family story time, to hands on science and engineering activities for kids, digital safety for parents, a teen intro to web design, youth leadership programs, and financial literacy programs, the library offers something for everyone. Check out the most recent edition of Library Connect for a list of programs available."Our free programs are widely used by our members at all library locations," said the Library. "At the Central Library, during November 2018, 8,200 people attended more than 450 programs. Calgary Public Library's free programs fit perfectly with our mission: empowering community by connecting you to ideas and experiences, inspiration, and insight."
3. Unique Architecture
The innovative design by Snøhetta and DIALOG reflects the evolving role of libraries as collaborative and inspiring community hubs. The 240,000 square foot building was inspired by the landscape surrounding Calgary including chinook arches, mountains, foothills, prairies, and the sky. The challenging site – bisected by a curving LRT line – was another driving force behind the Library’s unique design.Construction of the new Central Library began in May 2014. The building took 740 days to construct and was completed on time and on budget. The library holds over 180 tonnes of books, which means that the floors were designed to manage that weight.
Some highlights of the architecture include:
The Prow: juts out over the mouth of the tunnel that encases the LRT line. The top floor of the Prow boasts the best views of the city.
The Archway: The soffit of the building, framed with western red wood cedar sourced from BC doubles as a pedestrian thoroughfare. The passageway contains about 170 wood panels and provides a new visual and pedestrian connection between East Village and downtown.
The Oculus: A central skylight that celebrates Calgary’s famously sunny skies and brings natural light into the building.
Curtain wall: The unique glass panels that form the curtain wall come in one of five different shapes. They have a clear, glazed or fritted finish, and were strategically places to prevent heat build-up inside.
4. Children’s Library
This incredible 12,200 square foot space includes a structure for full-body play, a reading nook, a nursing room, a Questionarium for older kids to solve challenges, create, and play. Let’s not forget the plenty of books and spots to enjoy them.5. Teen Centre and Teen Tech Lab
An area only accessible to teens aged 13-19 provides a safe place for teens to learn, experience, and just hang out. The tech lab includes a digital learning lab, unique reading booths, and private meeting or study rooms. Teens can work on projects with a variety of technology, from sewing machines to robots. There’s also space for making videos, music and gaming stations."The most popular activities in the space are studying in groups, playing board games, and the video games," said the Library. "Most of our teen patrons really appreciate that the space is only for teens."
6. Performance Hall
The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall is a stunning space with a warm wooden ceiling that’s mirrored on the walls by vertical slats. You’ll want to linger after the performance you’re watching is over, just to enjoy the natural warmth of the space. The performance hall features the Library’s largest display window at street level, state-of-the-art technology, and a reception area for pre- and post-event festivities. It is an ideal location for large-scale events, seminars, conferences, and private bookings.7. Calgary’s Story
Located on the fourth floor of the library and provides a way for visitors to learn more about the city’s local history in books and old newspapers. You can also find the Living History: Glimpses of our Past digital storytelling kiosk and a tipi in this area.8. Artist in Residence
A three-month paid community engagement residency that supports individual artists, arts organizations and collectives working in three specific genres: Indigenous art and place making, children’s art and illustration, and the Newcomer experience.The resident is invited to work in a designated space at the Central Library and engage with the public through programs such as open studio time, interactive workshops, and lectures.
The general public can come to the library to meet with the Artist in Residence, review the art displayed, ask questions about pursuing a career in art, ask for an informal critique of their own work, and more. The current Artist in Residence at the time of writing this blog was Nicole Wolf, a visual storyteller, focused on themes of spirituality, wholeness, and human interaction.
“This is a great opportunity for artists to enjoy some community engagement, and try their hand at being a resource for the visitors to the library.” said Wolf.
9. Historian in Residence
A three-month, paid community engagement residency that supports individual historians and researchers working any genre related to the social, cultural and built history of Calgary, Treaty 7 and Métis Region 3.The resident is invited to work in a bright, designated office space and engage with the public through programs such as open office hours, interactive workshops, and lectures. They are invited to curate an exhibit at the Central Library which will be displayed each May.
The current Historian in Residence at the time of writing this blog was Kevin Allen. Kevin has been documenting queer people and events for over 25 years, writing for local and national LGBTQ media. He is a career arts administrator with a Masters Degree in Public Administration, from the University of Victoria.
10. Author in Residence
A program that has been offered by the Calgary Public Library for over 30 years. Through this program, the library has hosted many exceptional authors who have contributed to a strong and active literary community. The residency is designed to champion the joy of reading, foster an understanding of the craft of writing, and connect readers and writers.The Author in Residence delivers programs and acts as a mentor to writers in the community, reviewing manuscripts, and providing constructive criticism and advice during individual consultations. They offer encouragement and a critical eye to beginning writers seeking to find their own literary voice, as well as to established writers who desire a professional appraisal of their work.
11. Elder’s Guidance Circle
A safe and comfortable space where anyone can meet with Elders, join in Indigenous programming, and more. The Indigenous Placemaking project at the library is designed to create a welcoming environment where Indigenous people can feel their culture reflected in an urban setting and where all library visitors can learn about the original inhabitants of the land.12. TD Great Reading Room
If you are looking for a quiet place to read and study then the TD Great Reading Room is for you. Akin to the historic reading rooms of other great libraries throughout the world, this is the perfect spot for quiet study, contemplation and reflection. Here you can also find special collections surround the room on topics ranging from censored and challenged books, to the Calgary Public Library’s history.13. Digital Commons
This area not only includes audio/video recording and production studios but a digital learning lab focused on promoting digital literacy. No computer? No problem. Use your library card to rent out a Chromebook for up to three hours, or utilize one of the 220 public computers available for use in the library. Learn more about all of the tech offerings on Level 3 here."The goal of the CNOOC North America Digital Commons is to provide patrons a space where they can use various technologies to collaborate and innovate," said the Library. "Level 3 is a hub of digital technology, modelled on information commons and open design studios. During our opening month (November), Central Library saw more than 15,000 computer sessions and 18,000 print jobs."
14. Audio/Video Recording and Production Studios
Craft the next great podcast, web series, or video blog using the production booth, video editing suites, and an audio suite – all for free.15. Meeting Spaces
There are more than 30 free and bookable meeting spaces at the Central Library, ranging in capacity from six to 20 people. While most rooms can be booked up to two months in advance, some will be reserved just for same-day bookings. You can also utilize the laptop bars on Level 2 and 3, which offer views of the central Oculus skylight above and the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery blow.16. Public Art
If you ask me, the whole building is a work of art. But there are a number of other intriguing art pieces throughout the Central Library. Most recognizable are Christian Moeller’s public art pieces TRIO and FISH.TRIO was installed on the library’s east and west outdoor plaza spaces. Each piece measures nine to 10 meters tall and moves like a pendulum to create a visual choreography. The interior installation FISH is a book wall that employs nearly 11,000 books whose spines, in 12 different colours, creates the image of a fish.
17. Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Not only does the Central Library have more bathrooms than the old one did, it also includes gender neutral bathrooms. Gender-neutral washrooms can be found on Level 1 and Level 1M."Central Library was designed to be a welcoming place for all," said the Library.
18. Bookscalator
This unique system takes books and other returned items up through the ceiling, to the second floor and into the sorting room on a conveyer belt.19. Career Services
Need help perfecting your cover letter? Looking to access career resources in Calgary? The Central Library has an area dedicated to career services.20. Mom’s Stairway
This stairway is in honour of moms everywhere, past, present, and future. The Mom’s stairway connects the second-floor café with the Early Learning Centre. It’s a space to grab coffee, sit on the steps, watch your kids play, and relax.The new Central Library truly has something for everyone, and we think Calgarians agree. During its opening month (November), Calgary Public Library saw 7,600 new members sign up for free library cards.
We are proud to provide our ongoing support for Calgary’s public library system. For the next 10 years, 100% of our net profits will be donated to the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
Calgarians can feel good about paying for their utilities, knowing that, that money is going to a great cause each month. Haven’t made the switch to Sandstone Energy to support the public library system yet? It’s simple and risk free. Switch, support and save today. Use promo code CPLF2019 and get $25 off your first bill.
If you're not a Calgary Public Library member, become one today! Visit any library location to receive a free card or sign up online. Your card gives you access to books, eBooks, programs, online resources, up to $5 of free printing per month, free bookable meeting rooms around the city, plus much more. Pick up a Welcome Brochure at any library to learn about all the benefits your card gives you or read their list of 15 library card perks you need to know about.