Under Construction: An Update on EPL’s Building Projects

And then there were three: EPL’s third of four 2018 building projects is open and bustling with activity.

The relocated Londonderry Branch, opens a new window, now across from Soft Moc and Stockhomme on the main floor of Londonderry Mall, opened on August 13, 2018. Since then there’s been an increase in visits, more customers attending classes, creations on the vinyl cutter and more.

Back in 1973, EPL opened the first branch in the north end of the city in the Dickinsfield Shopping Center. The library moved to Londonderry Mall in 1984, was renovated and expanded in 1997, and then moved to a brighter space with increased accessibility this past summer.

Featuring a large program room, makerspace equipment, a cozy reading area and more, EPL’s newest open, inviting and comfortable space is definitely worth checking out.

What's Next?

Construction is winding down on EPL’s standalone Capilano Branch, opens a new window. Finishing touches include trees and other landscaping that will tie the site into neighbouring Fulton Ravine. Meanwhile, any customers who swing by for a sneak peek will notice a stunning built-in concrete bench that doubles as the building signage out front.

When the doors open later this fall, customers will enjoy plenty of natural light, impressive architecture, a makerspace planned in consultation with the community, and a program room twice the size of the current one.

Taking full advantage of the beautiful setting, there’s also a ravine seating area: a bench running the entire length of the building overlooking the 60-metre wide forested area.

Building EPL

A standalone Calder Branch, opens a new window was EPL’s first building project celebration of the year. Nearly double the size of the previous one, the new building is home to EPL’s first universal washroom, a large mosaic mural of more than 7,500 custom-cut glass tiles, opens a new window, and an overall design reflecting the area’s historic ties to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.

A temporary storefront location in Heritage Valley opened in April to much community excitement – and that excitement hasn’t slowed down at all. Hundreds of residents have signed up for free memberships, and both early literacy and school-aged classes are popular. The 3,200 square foot strip mall location is the third model of its kind for EPL, which means it has a selection of services designed to meet the needs of the neighbourhood until a full library branch can be built in the future.

Meanwhile, the revitalization of EPL’s Stanley A. Milner Library, opens a new window downtown has been going strong since January 2017. Now well past the halfway point of construction, the exterior has visibly transformed over time and the interior has begun to take shape – thanks to the nearly 200 workers on site each and every day.

Renderings and progress photos, opens a new window are available on our website, as are floor plans, opens a new window detailing what you’ll discover the next time you visit the Milner Library in early 2020!