Built across the street from the City Hall/Bow Valley College C Train station right over the tracks, the central branch of the Calgary Public Library is more than just a place to check out books.
Barb Gillard, the library’s executive director of visitor experience, said that its design created one of her favorite vantage points.
“One of the spaces I love is the top of the ramp at the very front of the building,” she says. “You can stand there and watch the trains come in and out of the building.”
It is a quintessential third space in the community to read, learn, create and imagine.
The ship-like building’s prow prioritizes natural light, a mix of quiet and noisy spaces and a central staircase that spirals through it.
“It takes you to a community space that as you go up, it gets quieter and quieter,” she says. “We have our TD Great Reading Room at the top where the most natural light filters in. People can sit quietly and read.”
Gillard says there are noisier sections on lower floors where the library hosts performers, presentations and programs.
“There is a natural inclination for community to come together,” she says. “It is a quintessential third space in the community to read, learn, create and imagine. There are so many things you can do in our library. “
View the Gallery
Plan a visit
Buy the Book
Explore the books behind the story
Recommended by Barb Gillard
Anne of Green Gables Collection
By Lucy Maud Montgomery
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum
We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. Prices and availability are subject to change after publication.