Calgary has a one-time opportunity to build an extraordinary new kind of library – a library for the 21st century with a vast array of programs and services, rich digital and print resources, and a convergence of technology, space, art, performance, discovery and dialogue.

One of the grandest and most important public facilities the city will ever build, the new Central Library will be designed by a world-class team and constructed to a LEED Gold standard.  Located at the entrance to the East Village in the visionary Rivers District, it will stand as a model of architectural and environmental achievement, reflecting Calgary’s position as Canada’s economic leader, an emerging global player, and a city that values culture, diversity, excellence and quality of life.  

Most importantly, it will provide all Calgarians universal access to the information, knowledge, powerful technology and learning opportunities they need to thrive in the future. 

An Awesome Space

Beautiful, spacious, welcoming and fun, the new Library will be Calgary’s premier literacy and lifelong learning centre, cultural venue and community gathering place, featuring: 

• More than double the space - 360,000 square feet to accommodate innovative technologies and changing needs
• A 10,000 square foot public plaza and galleria that animates the street
• Room for 500 computers – more than triple the current number
• Capacity for over 2 million items
• Parking for up to 800 vehicles
• Double the hours of opening
• Café, retail space, conference centre and state-of-the-art theatre
  
  

Need

Calgary has needed a new Central Library for more than 40 years.  The current Central Library, constructed in 1963, with an addition added in 1974, was built to serve a city population of 400,000.  Stretched beyond capacity to support 17 library branches and thousands of community programs, it is:

• Too small, and lacks space for new technology, programs, services and people
• Structurally unable to accommodate new floors or additions
• Unable to meet current standards of accessibility and safety
• Expensive to operate and in need of extensive renovation and lifecycle maintenance
• Unable to expand to serve three new community libraries earmarked for the NE, SE and SW
• Dated and undistinguished, contributing nothing to Calgary’s reputation as a global city, the public and urban realm, or the revitalization of the area  
  
  

Project Status

The Community Investment Fund, established in 2004 by Calgary City Council, set the wheels in motion to build a new Central Library – one of several ‘quality of life’ major projects approved for core funding.  With seed money from the fund and other sources, public consultation and preliminary planning moved ahead, and is now complete.

The new Library is awaiting further funding commitments.  It will take approximately two years to design and three years to build.