I have very fond memories of the opening of the new central library in Halifax, and many, many hours spent within it until I moved to Saskatoon in 2016. Six years here, and I’m eagerly anticipating the construction and opening of a new signature library, viscerally aware of the importance of libraries to the communities they serve. While I have a fondness for my small neighbourhood library just a couple of blocks away from my house, I’m looking forward to the day that Saskatoon has its own shiny new central library.

On my recent trip to Calgary, I took advantage of some very limited down time on a work-related trip and spent a couple of hours touring and experiencing that city’s new central library. Opened in 2018, it is an architectural gem and I was excited for the chance to explore.

From the moment I stepped inside, this library captured my heart. The use of light and space and the warmth of the materials made the library feel approachable and comforting. It also offers up a petty impressive “wow” just inside the doors.

Something that really stood out for me was the use of public art throughout the building. During construction, 1% of the total funding was set aside for the commissioning and acquisition of public art. This three piece mural is the first thing you see on entering the library and demonstrates a progression from past to present to future. From left to right – “Survival Harvesting” by Roland Rollinmud; “Sharing the Knowledge” by Keegan Starlight; and “Spiritual Changes through Indigenous Teachings” by Kalum Teke Dan.

This sculpture work below was one of my favourites in the library. Entitled “Education is the New Buffalo” by Lionel Peyachew, it uses language text provided by local Indigenous groups as the skin of the buffalo. I loved the interactivity of this piece… the idea of visitors searching out Indigenous words in this sculpture is a powerful metaphor.

Another installation that caught my eye and drew me in was “Art as Language” by Adrian Stimson. The artist consulted with Blackfoot knowledge keepers to develop a narrative in the traditional written language. His use of 3D sculpture as part of this “written” narrative was very interesting.

Some of the art in the building was hidden and only revealed itself on closer inspection. Around the windows were written inscriptions – some recognizing donors, and some like this one speaking to the importance of books, libraries, and literacy.

I toured the library in a somewhat haphazard way on what was an early Saturday morning. I enjoyed exploring the space in this way without a preconceived idea or plan. While clearly a modern building with an architectural style as such, I loved the use of lighter and warmer woods and the play of the light to make the gathering spaces inviting.

That’s maybe best shown in the photo below. I stood in a far corner of one of the library’s main floors and took this photo as I was in the process of falling in love with the space. I love the use of wood in the more “stay a while” spaces while the spaces holding the collections are more utilitarian in their materials. More than any deep architectural thought, I really couldn’t stop thinking about how this would be a place I would use as a second living room if I lived in Calgary. I loved how the Halifax library acted as such for me prior to me moving away, and really enjoyed reconnecting with that, for at least a few hours, in Calgary.