Calgary boasts an extensive and incredibly popular public library system, one of the largest in North America. A true architectural marvel and cultural hub of the city, the Calgary Central Library, also known as the New Central Library, draws thousands of visitors daily. It’s a place with a fascinating history and exceptional offerings. You can learn more about it all on calgary1.one.
The Story Behind Calgary’s Public Library
While it’s hard for modern Calgarians to imagine, the earliest Canadian libraries were private collections and documents brought over by European immigrants. The very first public libraries in the country emerged in the early 19th century. Let’s take a look at the history of Calgary’s public library system.
In 1906, Annie Davidson founded the Calgary Women’s Literary Club. Just a year later, she spearheaded a petition to the Carnegie Foundation, requesting funds to build Calgary’s first public library. On January 2, 1912, the Central Park Library (now the Memorial Park Library) officially opened its doors.
In 1963, a new Central Library opened at 616 Macleod Trail South. This facility eventually gave way to the current Calgary Central Library.
Opening the Doors to a New Era
The Calgary Central Library, located in the vibrant Downtown East Village, officially opened on November 1, 2019. This impressive four-story building cost $245 million to construct. Of that, $175 million was contributed by the City of Calgary, with another $70 million provided by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the city’s real estate development company. The largest single donation came from Calgary-based Canadian oil and gas company CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC (formerly Nexen).
The project was a collaboration between Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and North American company DIALOG (formerly Cohos Evamy). Their joint bid won the design competition in 2013.
The building itself is a stunning example of modern architecture and urban planning. The Calgary Central Library features an oval shape and a grand central atrium topped with a skylight. These design choices flood the space with light and encourage visitors to explore and learn. Another innovative design element is the library’s elevation one story above street level. This ingenious solution allowed for the Calgary CTrain light rail tracks to run directly underneath, seamlessly integrating the library into the city’s transportation infrastructure.
The partnership between Snøhetta and DIALOG proved highly fruitful. Project planning began back in 2004 and was finalized in 2011. Construction kicked off in 2013 with the encapsulation of the CTrain tunnel portal. Above-ground construction of the library started in September 2015. In just a few short years, Calgary gained not just a repository of books, but a new architectural jewel adored by both locals and visitors. Interestingly, Naheed Nenshi, who served as mayor for three terms, dubbed the library a “new city icon” in 2014 when the final design was unveiled.
Accolades and Recognition
- Even before its completion, the Central Library project was named one of Architectural Digest’s twenty most anticipated buildings of 2018. This already hinted at the project’s potential and its significance in the global architectural community.
- In 2019, the project earned the prestigious “Library Building Award,” which recognized its functional excellence and its ability to meet the modern needs of library services.
- The Central Library was honoured with the Global Design Merit Award 2019 for Pathfinding. This award celebrates innovation and groundbreaking design solutions.
- It received the CCE Award of Excellence 2019 from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, recognizing high standards in engineering design and implementation.
- One of the highest accolades in architecture followed: in 2020, the project received the “Architecture 2020” award from the American Institute of Architects.
- The project also garnered the “Design 2020” award from the American Institute of Architects New York for its outstanding architectural design, aesthetic excellence, and innovative approach.
- The Canadian Consulting Engineers Award of Excellence further affirmed the high calibre of its engineering solutions.
- The CISC Alberta Steel Design Award recognized the exceptional use of steel structures and their contribution to creating unique public spaces.
- Another national honour, the Canadian Architect Award of Merit, underscored the project’s architectural excellence within Canada.
- Finally, the Azure Magazine award for “Best Canadian Architecture of the Decade” solidified the Calgary Central Library’s status as an icon of contemporary Canadian architecture, shaping the face of the decade.
Exploring the Library
The Central Library is comprised of multiple levels, each offering unique features and spaces. Let’s take a closer look at what you can find on each floor.
The ground level hosts free, reservable public spaces. The BMO Financial Group Community Room offers Calgarians a collaborative environment for sharing ideas. You’ll also find the Michael Green Green Room here, a testament to the legacy of Michael Green (1957–2015), a driving force and visionary in Calgary’s arts community and co-founder of One Yellow Rabbit theatre. It’s no surprise this performance green room was named in his honour.
Level 1 features the entrance to the Sheikh Family Welcome Gallery, complete with a stunning mural, buffalo sculpture, and works by Indigenous artists. The Patricia A. Wheale Theatre is always buzzing with activity, from large events and workshops to conferences and private bookings. Passersby can even peek in from the street to see what’s happening through the large exterior windows. Don’t miss Library Express, where you can browse popular new releases and staff-recommended reads.
On Level 1M, you’ll discover the 12,200-square-foot Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library, which includes an aquaponics system for school-aged children. Level 2 houses various meeting rooms and specialized services like a volunteer lounge and an author-in-residence studio.
Level 3 is home to the Teen Centre, packed with engaging activities for teenagers. Here you’ll also find the CNOOC Digital Commons, a free service at the Central Library, and the “Health Desk,” an ideas lab and service hub for Canadians.
Level 4 offers services in the Great Reading Room “Silence,” “Calgary’s Story,” artist and historian residences, an Elders’ guidance circle, and more.
Calgarians are encouraged to explore the Calgary Central Library for themselves and experience all it has to offer. It truly is a place where people can access ideas, inspiration, and knowledge to realize their full potential.
Getting There
The Calgary Central Library is located at 800 3 Street SE, right near City Hall. You’ll find public bike racks all around the building, and bus routes stop on 3rd Street SE and 9th Avenue SE. The closest CTrain stop is City Hall, accessible on both the Red and Blue lines. If you’re driving, parking is available at City Hall, at paid lots on the east side of the library, and at metered street parking in East Village.
Calgarians flock to the Central Library for education, meetings, and cultural enrichment, making it a true cornerstone of the community.