It’s no secret that I love the library. One of my life goals is to live walking distance from a library, now however, with the New Central Library I would like to just move right in. It’s a truly beautiful space with so much that all Calgarians can access for free.
Children’s Library – Early Learning Centre
The children’s library located on level 1M – it is bright and spread across several lowlevels.
The books are attractively displayed and positioned within easy reach of tiny people.
On the southern side there is a gross motor play area
In addition to the fixed features there are toys that can be moved around as well.
On the other side you can find toys for smaller play, such as dress-up and blocks.
As well as seating, tables and reading nooks.
Further along is a little toddler nook set up just for little ones.
There are some additional rooms for classroom space and programming.
The library also has a space set up for older kids called the Questionarium which includes a STREAM station, board games and more.
Teen Centre and Teen Tech Lab
Teenagers have a space all their own on the 3rd level with places to read, study, play board games and even video games.
Other Library Spaces
The library is bright and welcoming from the moment you enter and see the oculous (central skylight), warm staircases and indigenous placemaking.
The books are beautifully displayed and there are lots of different seating.
And artwork.
The TD Great Reading Room was one of my favourite spaces.
There are also spaces where you can access computers.
Or even borrow chromebooks. Also, did you know you can get $5 of free (color and black and white) printing a month with your library card?
They also have community meeting rooms you can book for free, as well recording and production studios.
And really great views of the c-train line – one of the lines actually goes right through the library.
And a performance hall which is also (for a fee) able to be booked by the public.
LUKES Restaurant and Cafe
Did you know you can have covered beverages throughout the library? You can also have snacks on the first few levels.
To help you out with this, the New Central Library includes a restaurant and Cafe. The restaurant is accessible from the street and serves coffee baked goods and meals.
Located near the Children’s Library, the Cafe is inside the heart of the library and serves soft serve ice cream, coffee and snacks.
