the World Lives Here - A Landmark Library for CalgaryShare your ideas. Show your support. Click here.
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FAQ's
  • Why do we need a new Central Library? Why don’t we add on to the current facility?

    The current Central Library was built to serve a city population of 400,000.  It is too small, and does not have the space or infrastructure for new technology, programs, services and people.  It’s expensive to operate, doesn’t meet safety and accessibility standards, and needs major renovations and repairs.  Structurally, it cannot accommodate new floors or additions. With three new branches planned for new communities, and expansions planned in existing branches, it no longer has the capacity to serve the city’s growing diversity, changing needs, and thousands of community and outreach programs.

  • How will the new Central Library be different?

    The new Central Library will be a very different kind of library – an ‘experience’ library.  It will have the most up-to-date technology, print and digital resources in a variety of languages and formats, and a vast array of programs and services – many of them interactive.  The building itself will be double the size - spacious, welcoming and full of light, with special areas and attractions on every floor.  There will be room for 2 million plus items in the collections, 500 computers, and parking for 800 vehicles, a conference centre, performance theatre, a large public plaza, galleria, café, and retail space.

  • What about technology and computers?

    Powerful, interactive technology will be a key feature of the new Central Library, along with the most up-to-date digital resources on the market. There will be room for 500 computers in the ‘commons’, along with adaptive technologies for persons with disabilities, kid-friendly computers, and even gaming stations for the adventurous.   
     
  • Will there be new accessibility features?

    Absolutely.  Universal access for all will be reflected in both the building’s design and the resources and services provided within its walls.

  • Are green initiatives being planned for the new Central Library?

    Yes.  The new Central Library will be built to a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System) Gold rating .  As well, park-like features and an outdoor plaza will be incorporated into the site design. The building will be part of the ENMAX District Energy program planned for the east side of the downtown.

  • Why have an architectural competition?

    One of the things that became clear during the public consultation process was Calgarians’ desire to have a ‘landmark’ library, an architecturally distinguished civic building that is internationally recognizable, and that makes a statement about Calgary’s commitment to information and culture. The Calgary Public Library Board endorsed the option to hold a limited architectural competition to select the design team.  This option, provides transparency to the process, allows for public input, invites local, national and international firms to participate, and ensures a design of world-class caliber in accordance with budget and timeline expectations.    

  • How will the new Central Library enhance Calgary’s international reputation?

    As a major, public amenity, and an architecturally distinguished ‘green’ building, the new Central Library will make a bold statement about the importance of information, ideas and culture in life of our city. It’s a statement about the quality of life we enjoy here, about beautiful places in a progressive, forward thinking city, and universal access to business information, creative pursuits, and lifelong learning opportunities – all strong incentives to attract new workers to our workforce, tourists and visitors, and new business investment.  

  • How will the new Central Library benefit all Calgarians?

    The Central Library serves the entire library system, so in reality, the new Central Library will be every Calgarian’s library, regardless of where they live in the city.  All Calgarians will benefit through access to more resources available in more formats and more languages, and enhanced technology, programs, services and learning opportunities at their local branch. The new Central Library will be an amazing, fun, and vibrant destination for Calgarians to use and enjoy, free of charge, seven days a week. 

  • How will the new Central Library benefit the economy?

    As a catalyst for area development, an information portal and a cultural venue, and a major attraction for residents and tourists, the new Library will generate new jobs and spending, new business activity and indirect tax revenues. In major cities where landmark libraries have been built, the increase in library visits and items borrowed is substantial and felt city wide. Increased resources and increased use of learning opportunities will significantly boost individual and business performance, news business development and creative pursuits. The return on investment is typically $7 to $14 for every capital dollar invested.    

  • How does a new Central Library fit with other civic priorities?

    The new Central Library aligns with virtually every major civic initiative for urban, cultural, social and community renewal, including imagineCALGARY, the Centre City Plan and the Rivers District Revitalization Plan.   In particular, it supports Calgary Economic Development’s strategy to take Calgary from a great city, to a great global city known for excellence in commerce, education, research, and arts and culture.

  • Why build the Library in the East Village?

    The East Village area is desirable for several reasons: convenient pedestrian, LRT and automobile access; proximity to the downtown, the cultural and business community; and the critical mass of people - over 120,000 people work in the core each day.   Locating the new Library in the East Village also fits very well with civic development plans for the area. It will serve as a catalyst for commercial and residential redevelopment, creating a safe, vibrant inner-city community, and a more active and culturally alive downtown. 

  • Will there be opportunities for input into the project?

    Ideas are welcome at anytime. If there are special features or services you’d like to see in the new Central Library, please share your ideas with us on the form provided on the Contact Us page. We have already completed a first round of community consultation, however, there will be more opportunities for the public to provide input when we get to the more active planning and design stages.

  • When will the new Central Library be built?

    Preliminary planning is complete, and the project is ready to move ahead pending further funding commitments.  It will take approximately two years to design, and three years to build.  It is our goal to mark the 100th anniversary of Calgary Public Library in 2012 with a new Central Library in the works!  

  • Can we afford to build a new Central Library?

    Perhaps the better question is – can we afford not to?  Libraries support the economic growth of the city and development of its workforce, and are often the only place many Calgarians have access to literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.  The new Central Library will provide access to innovative support systems, technology, and specialized resources to help Calgarians develop the essential skills they need to thrive in the 21st century, global economy.  Deferring the project will only add to long-term consequences -  increased capital costs, inability to meet service demands and lost opportunities for Calgarians, the East Village community, and the city. 

  • What is meant by the statement, ‘the world lives here’ in the new Central Library logo?

    The statement applies to Calgary and to the new Central Library.  The meaning is broad, varied, and can be interpreted in many ways. For Calgary, it refers to the global reach and impact of our businesses and industries, future potential and opportunities, the creativity, culture and quality of life that are part of our city, and the growing diversity of our population. For the new Central Library, the meaning refers to extensive resources, services and technology that connect people to the world, and to each other – a living world of knowledge, ideas, information and inspiration, ever changing, evolving and expanding.

  • How will the new Central Library be funded?

    City Council earmarked initial funding for the project from the Community Investment Fund.  However, additional one-time capital funding will be required from a variety of sources including, funding from all orders of government, community fundraising, naming and sponsorship opportunities, and private sector support.          

  • How can I stay informed about the project?

    We will post new information on the website as it becomes available, so check back often. We’ll also be happy to add you to our e-mail network, and provide you with periodic updates. To be added to our confidential e-mail distribution list, go to the Contact Us.