The Edmonton Public Library is writing four new chapters this year, with as many new buildings opening in 2018.
While all eyes are on the revitalization of the Stanley A. Milner Library, opens a new window—slated to open in 2020—a new standalone Calder Branch, double the size of the current location, will open on January 31, 2018.
It will be followed by a new small footprint branch in Heritage Valley in the spring, and a relocation of the Londonderry Branch within Londonderry Mall in the summer.
Capping off 2018 is another relocation, as the Capilano Branch moves from Capilano Mall to a standalone facility late in the year.
Building EPL
While we’ve been busy moving in and setting up at Calder, opens a new window, hoarding recently went up at Londonderry as we continue the design phase.
Meanwhile, construction is well underway on Capilano, and the building is now closed off as we work on the interior.
Just after the one-year anniversary of construction beginning on the downtown Stanley A. Milner Library, the iconic building has started to take shape.
Structural steel forming the new atrium and building façade have been tied in from east to west elevation, while the entire exterior is almost completely framed in. Windows are next, and then work will soon move mostly inside the building.
Past Progress
These projects signal a big year ahead for EPL, and come on the heels of two exciting announcements in late 2017. We received certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), opens a new window at a Gold level for our Mill Woods Branch, which opened in 2015, and at a Silver level of our Highlands Branch, which opened in 2014.
While 2018 will be a busy year, EPL has been working to keep up with an ever-growing demand for library services in Edmonton:
- 2016: New McConachie Branch
- 2015: Rebuilt Mill Woods Branch, New West Henday Branch
- 2014: Rebuilt Highlands Branch, New Clareview Branch, New Meadows Branch
- 2013: Rebuilt Jasper Place Branch
Prior to 2013, the last library built in the city was the Lois Hole Branch in 2008. EPL currently has 20 locations, which will grow to 21 with the addition of our Heritage Valley Branch.
Future Details
The new 10,000 square foot facility, targeting LEED Silver certification, is almost double the size of the current location and is easily accessible by foot, vehicles and public transportation. Learn more about what's available at the new Calder branch, opens a new window.
Heritage Valley, opens a new window
The new 3,000 square foot storefront location, similar in function to West Henday and McConachie, will open near 119 Street and 26 Avenue SW.
Londonderry, opens a new window
A more accessible, high-traffic main floor location boasting more natural light is in store for the library in Londonderry Mall.
Bordering Edmonton’s Fulton Ravine, a new standalone library targeting LEED Silver certification will relocate the current service point. The new branch will be fully accessible by foot, vehicles and public transportation, and ground floor access will ensure elevator challenges are no longer an accessibility barrier.
Stanley A. Milner, opens a new window
With over 1.2 million visits to the downtown branch each year, a renewed Milner Library will be an energy-efficient, innovative, community-centered public space better equipped to meet the growing and changing needs of customers, as well as a core component of a rejuvenated, thriving and vibrant downtown.
You can help make the new Milner Library an incredible opportunity to learn, create, share and discover.
Donate today, opens a new window and help us make BIG changes possible! (While you’re at it, keep an eye on the Milner Live Cam!)
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