Since library buildings are an important capital investment for most communities, it is crucial that they be planned to respond to current and future needs. Libraries are among the most beautiful and attractive Indoor spaces in Canada. The purpose of the library has been stretched and continues to change, to go much further than just book reading.

Here are 4 of these striking libraries that were designed with a unique style and a purpose that goes beyond books.

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Quebec’s Grande Bibliothèque

The first cutting-edge library is Quebec’s Grande Bibliothèque. It is a symphony of tempered glass, yellow birch slats, and soaring sunny spaces.

Much more than a library, (but with 3.5 million items to be borrowed or for on-the-spot reference use, what a library it is!), this edifice won awards for its striking architecture. The interior is filled with spaces for reading, watching, researching, listening to lectures, and art viewing, with exhibition spaces throughout. Plus, many free programs for families. (1)

The second cutting-edge library is Calgary’s new Central Library.

The building is designed to create a bridge connecting two separated neighborhoods, establishing visual and pedestrian connections across the site.

The triple-glazed cladding pattern is a storytelling façade, made from transparent and nontransparent pieces to communicate and welcome visitors.

The Calgary Public Library system is actively used by over 670,000 Calgarians (over half of its 1.2M population) and plays a major role in connecting residents from all walks of life. The library is a gathering and fun place, in addition to being a space for reading and studying.

Organized on a spectrum of ‘Fun’ to ‘Serious.’ The library program has the livelier public activities on the lower floors, gradually transitioning to quieter study areas on the upper levels as one spirals upwards. At the street level, a series of multi-purpose rooms line the perimeter of the building, enhancing the connectivity between inside and outside. Throughout the four floors, a variety of spaces provide for digital, analog, group, and individual interactions.

The new Central Library will join Studio Bell, the Arts Commons, and the Glenbow Museum as part of a burgeoning cultural campus in downtown Calgary and East Village. (2)

The Third Cutting Edge Library is the Surrey City Centre Public Library.

The Surrey library has 7,200 square meters (78,000 sq ft) of usable space spread over four floors. Its 100,000-item collection of print materials is modest for a large urban library; the library is focused on community services such as language programs for Surrey’s large immigrant population, youth and adult programs, and computer access. The library features non-traditional facilities like a café; an iPad station for children; a meditation room (which also serves as a prayer room); and bookable study room spaces. (3)

The library is part of transformational urban development to build a new gathering-education center for the City of Surrey.

The building’s sculptural form consists of concrete walls that partly slope inward, providing visual interest while also minimizing solar heat gain.

The northern side of the building comes to a sharp point, resembling the bow of a ship, while windows include both curves and points – both features that have been popularized by the work of the late Zaha Hadid. (4)

Encompassing 82,000 square feet (7,618 meters), the building’s program includes multipurpose rooms, a cafeteria, a children’s zone, and a “world languages area,” with books printed in more than a dozen languages. (4)

Providing a casual environment was key in this design. “Spaces have been deliberately kept informal to make the library feel like an extension of the patron’s home,” the firm said. (4)

The library features a double-volume living room with dynamic windows.

The fourth cutting-edge modern library is the design of the new Ottawa Public Library, which was revealed in 2020.

Dynamic spaces, with plenty of light and scenic views, make it an appealing place for the city residents. Vibrant spaces are made to stimulate creativity, thinking, and accomplishment.

Each of these recently designed libraries comes with the goal to inspire, meet, learn, and create. They go beyond the traditional purpose of a library to be a fun, relaxing, connecting, and inspiring center.

 

1-https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/montreal-libraries

2-https://snohetta.com/projects/407-calgary39s-new-central-library

3-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrey_City_Centre_Public_Library

4- https://www.dezeen.com/2016/05/18/bing-thom-architects-surrey-library-vancouver-canada-concrete/

5- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmceZQKDbt0&ab_channel=OttawaCitizen