The Calgary Public Library Board believes that a strong community and a thriving democracy require vibrant public libraries.

For the past century, Calgary Public Library has been instrumental in making Calgary a dynamic, cultural city, a place where education and discourse are open and accessible to all. To continue this outstanding record of community service, the City of Calgary and the Calgary Public Library Board have made a commitment to build a new central library, with the capacity and features to meet the needs and expectations of Canada's fastest growing city. The new central library will launch a second century of library service to Calgarians.

The current central library plays a unique role in the library system. As the hub of the system, the central library enhances service to Calgarians in all parts of the city. It houses the largest quantity and variety of specialized resources available to everyone, from any branch.

Our expanding city and our expanding library system have created a critical need for a larger central library. The new, larger building will hold the growing collections in all media, as well as address the pressing needs for community space, state-of-the-art technology, and more diverse services.

We hope to create a community landmark, as a visible symbol of our community's high regard for ideas, exploration, and knowledge. The project will form part of a comprehensive development within the downtown core and set a high standard for urban and architectural design within the city. A new central library will contribute to important city initiatives, including the Centre City Plan, Rivers District and Imagine Calgary.

We have reviewed the experiences of public libraries around the world, and know that a new central library is a powerful "people magnet" and a catalyst for economic growth. Today, new central libraries in cities including Montreal, Seattle and Salt Lake City have experienced dramatic increases in use and are attracting visitors in record numbers. We believe that a new central library will renew the heart and hub of our library system and strengthen library service throughout the city. It will also create a vibrant downtown destination and a source of great civic pride.

Calgary Public Library is a place of dreams and community aspirations. It is a unique place where the city's memory is treasured and shared, and where the future is imagined and built. We are very excited about creating a 21st century central library, and encourage you to join us in supporting this great vision.

Judith Umbach, Chair
Calgary Public Library Board