What makes a city stand up and say WOW! about a public library? We believe it is signature service, beautiful spaces that uplift the spirit, an abundance of light, and a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility making people feel welcome and safe.

The new central library will offer all of these elements, including special attractions on every floor.

• My Branch & Window on the World, open earlier and later than the rest of the Library. A welcoming place to browse popular collections or catch up on the latest news
• The Family Room, combining the fun and discovery of a library, the interactivity of a museum and the entertainment of a theatre on a floor specially designed for children, families and teens
• The best elements of a great reading room in The Library, a technology-free oasis where Calgarians can relax with a good book
• Library Commons, the largest collections of computers and e-resources, complemented by excellent staff support
• A Study Hall for individual and group study
• The welcoming ambience of the Literacy & Learning area, which incorporates a new wonder and excitement for words with interactive space for e-learning
• The Spirituality Area, providing the opportunity for a few moments of peace and reflection, complemented by a comprehensive world religion collection
• New Technologies Showcase, a unique service that enables Calgarians to test new technologies in a hands-on environment
• Global Village, building bridges of understanding between cultures and helps new Canadians develop language skills
• BusinessWorks, Calgary's leading resource area for business, investment and career guidance
• Creative Calgary, an accessible and innovative "incubator" for writers and composers, with rehearsal and performance space located in close proximity
• Celebrating local heroes and the city's collective memory, Heritage Place is Calgary's most publicly accessible heritage collection
• Bibliotech: Centre for the Book celebrating the legacy of the printed word, and allowing all ages to explore book crafts from the letterpress to desktop publishing

The new central library will be defined by generosity, with enough space to accommodate diverse needs, extensive collections, interactive exhibits, and a dazzling range of programs. It will be a building that adapts to an ever changing environment and a cultural hub where the only requirement for admission is curiosity.

The chart below shows where we are now, and where we want to go!