For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, March 1, 2018 – The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is now a bigger and better neighbour in the Calder community
The new 10,000 square foot standalone Calder Branch – almost double the size of the previous location – opened on January 31, 2018 at 127 Street and 131 Avenue. EPL has been serving the Calder community since 1966, and the new library will meet growing demands for study and community space, as well as customers’ desire for more room to play, create and explore.
“We’re so thrilled to be nearly doubling the size of our previous space with this new library that will not only better serve our diverse clientele, but also support the rejuvenation of surrounding neighbourhoods,” said Pilar Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of EPL. “We are eager to welcome people who may not have visited our previous location and also look forward to enhancing partnerships with area schools and community organizations from our new site.”
The $11 million project, designed by Atelier Tag and The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative, targets LEED Silver certification and features a large community room, quiet study space, flexible programming space, 17 public computers, free Wi-Fi, and a central reading area complete with a fireplace. The site also boasts a 24-hour materials return, easy access by foot, vehicles and public transportation, a front courtyard with seating and designed planting, and green garden spaces that extend the library into its backyard.
The building reflects the Calder area’s historic ties to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, and is also home to a large mosaic mural of more than 7,500 custom-cut glass tiles. Vancouver artists Rebecca Bayer and David Gregory created the piece by collaborating with area residents around pattern-making. The result was inspired by the environment of Alberta, and offers a friendly invitation to all in a universal language of colour and geometric pattern.
The new Calder Branch is one of 20 EPL locations, and one of four building projects opening in 2018.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in-branch and online visits across our 20 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give
For more information, contact
Heather McIntyre
Communications Specialist
Edmonton Public Library
Office: 780-496-7055
Cell: 780-819-4337
hmcintyre@epl.ca
