Universally accessible, and free for everyone to use and enjoy, the new Central Library will be a vital part of Calgary’s educational, cultural, and community life.  It will contribute to the quality of life of all Calgarians and help our city prosper.

A major asset in the downtown, the impact of the new Central Library will be broad and far reaching.  It will be felt in three main areas:  

Economic Vitality

• Creating new jobs, activity and spending in the downtown area, and new residential and commercial developments in the East Village
• Boosting individual and business performance as a result of increased access to and use of library resources 

Community Character and Livability

• Knitting together downtown and adjacent communities, increasing density and helping create a safe, desirable inner-city community
• Serving as a branch library for the growing area, including students, businesses and residents
• Strengthening the cultural district  
   

Image and Identity

• Shaping the image Calgary presents to the world - a city that values excellence
• Fostering a creative city where ideas, learning, and culture matter, which in turn attracts new investment, business, skilled workers and tourists
• Contributing to Calgary’s sense of civic pride