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Though it's been operational for a few weeks, the Edmonton Public Library's new Calder Branch will host its grand opening festivities this Thursday. The new facility nearly doubles the old library's square footage, transferring its numerous bookshelves from a strip mall at 12522 132 Avenue to a standalone space at the intersection of 127 Street and 131 Avenue, just south of Wellington Junior High School.
The new location puts library services within a short walk of its former spot. The first Calder Branch occupied 13303 127 Street in 1966 until moving in 1992 to the shopping plaza location, which was renovated in 2000. But growing patronage pushed the organization into developing plans for a 10,000-square-foot complex that dwarfs the old 5,300-square-foot branch.
Featuring a design of projecting horizontal volumes by the marc boutin architectural collaborative inc., the building includes a larger community room, flexible program spaces, comfortable seating areas, a freshwater aquarium in the children's area, 17 public computers, free Wi-Fi, three early literacy stations, and a space-age central reading area complete with a suspended fireplace.
"The library of the 21st century also has the potential to orchestrate a natural flow of spaces, from those that encourage interaction and conversation to those that require silence. From exterior spaces designed for gathering, through the entry foyer to the depths of the reading areas, space develops along an acoustic gradient that follows a natural behavioural sequence of the visitors," reads the design narrative on MBAC's website.
"Furthermore, spaces that are isolated from one another acoustically can remain visually connected in order to facilitate orientation (and serendipitous discovery) within the library. This type of spatial planning also allows all of the interior spaces to be filled with daylight. In addition, strategically positioned openings create views from the community inwards, and from the library outwards — both of which create a dynamic interaction between the community and the library visitors."
The new branch is located at 12710 131 Avenue NW. The grand opening celebration will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 1.
