CALGARY – Hundreds of people were lined up down the block today for the official opening of Calgary’s new central library.
The space covers 22,000 square metres and is already drawing positive reviews for its modernist design.
The building, which cost $245 million, contains about 600,000 items spread over five levels.
1000’s of Calgarians saying hello to their new Central Library. The family friendly party continues this weekend including FREE ctrain use citywide Saturday. Details ahead @CTVCalgary at noon. ##yyc #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/DmIQ879sII
— Lane Fraser (@CTVLaneFraser) November 1, 2018
Public consultations on the project began in 2004 and construction didn’t start until a decade later.
The work was challenging because one of Calgary’s light-rail transit lines runs right through the building.
Calgary’s mayor, councillors, library officials and a number of special guests were at the opening celebrations, while astronaut Chris Hadfield was expected later in the day.
“It is because of the work of so many people that we are here in this magnificent space today,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
The mayor said the project was on time and under budget by $10 million.
International architecture company Snohetta and Calgary design firm DIALOG were chosen for the project after a global competition.
"You can't wipe the smile off of my face today, because this is Calgary, this is who we are! We believe that this library is not a dream, it is the springboard of dreams. And it is the place that will help us all dream bigger. This Library is our manifesto!" #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/5hFT1HoAsg
— CalgaryPublicLibrary (@calgarylibrary) November 1, 2018
"This library is a springboard for dreams. Dreams have to be big in order to build a community. This is not a building, this is what we believe & it will help us dream even bigger. It's a manifesto" says @nenshi#HelloCentral #yyc pic.twitter.com/uDxJ5yxUQR
— Jocelyn (@JocelynPhu) November 1, 2018
Welcome to your new Central Library!#HelloCentral@calgarylibrary pic.twitter.com/11iPcSiHMi
— East Village (@EastVillageYYC) November 1, 2018
Rob Adamson of @DIALOG: Calgarians, this is your building. Please enjoy it.#calgarylibrary #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/gfPTuaTxAz
— CMLC (@CalgaryMLC) November 1, 2018
Opening day is finally here! So excited for Calgarians to explore the new Central Library. Congrats to all our partners on a great success. @calgarylibrary @CalgaryMLC @snohetta @DIALOG @cityofcalgary @StuartOlsonInc #yyc #hellocentral
Photo credit: @GWebberphoto pic.twitter.com/ZADCnAYVRZ
— Calgary Library Fdn (@LibraryFdnYYC) November 1, 2018
It's difficult to capture the scale and beauty of the new Central Library. Lots of public spaces and quiet places! #yyc #hellocentral @calgarylibrary pic.twitter.com/zSklkL0vJn
— Lane Fraser (@CTVLaneFraser) November 1, 2018
A massive lineup to get into a library. A library. Well done, Calgary. #yyc #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/rpyRLWjwvO
— Cheri Macaulay (@cheriyyc) November 1, 2018
Simply… wow. #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/sgCTGtvniP
— z – Neil Zeller (@Neil_Zee) November 1, 2018
"…soon to be the most photographed building in Calgary" ?
? https:https://t.co/UrKBoDuvSk | #capturecalgary #explorealberta #explorecanada #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/bhc5Ij51Oy
— Tourism Calgary (@TourismCalgary) November 1, 2018
Had to check out the @yycCCOM Library School classroom in its stunning new #HelloCentral home. …complete with bookscalator! #YYC pic.twitter.com/TgRxXzGte1
— Travis Robertson (@travisrobertson) November 2, 2018
Calgary, this library is for you. #NCLinEV #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/x9UyAYBtVs
— DIALOG (@DIALOG) November 1, 2018
Exciting opening day in Calgary's East Village! Gorgeous #concrete at new @calgarylibrary #NCLinEV #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/EUrhGZcNQ1
— Lafarge Canada Inc (@Lafarge_Canada) November 1, 2018
The spectacular oculus! @snohetta and @DIALOG, you really knocked this one out of the park. We’ve spent thousands of hours working in this space and it never fails to impress. #HelloCentral #NCLinEV #stuartolsoncreates pic.twitter.com/J6ime9HTHG
— Stuart Olson Inc. (@StuartOlsonInc) November 1, 2018
Today is a monumental day for Calgarians. After years in the making, we are so proud to be a part of the grand opening of the @calgarylibrary, the new Central Library, on behalf of our client @CalgaryMLC! Read more here: https://t.co/9HxOGbgN9r #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/Olq3Sn77kK
— Colliers Project Leaders (@Colliers_PL) November 1, 2018
The Bookscalator, live in person!! ?#NCLinEV #stuartolsoncreates pic.twitter.com/3JFxkoxfjo
— Stuart Olson Inc. (@StuartOlsonInc) November 1, 2018
Couldn't help but tear up a little at @nenshi's opening remarks "this space is for everyone. This space is for Calgarians." Congrats #yyc @calgarylibrary @CalgaryMLC @EastVillageYYC #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/OH8wapKJ3z
— Jocelyn (@JocelynPhu) November 1, 2018
I got a chance to tour the new Central Library this week and I’m excited to finally be able to share some photos. #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/ov34WsDqvA
— Colin (@perogie) November 1, 2018
Okay, I wasn't going to share an arty architecture photo because there are scads out there already but here you go. #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/exdePN0APz
— Maija (@maijasauna) November 2, 2018
Honestly, I can’t stop swooning over every single architectural detail in this place. @calgarylibrary #yyc #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/A3gTqSLDbr
— kait kucy (@kaitkucy) November 1, 2018
Well #HelloCentral! You is lookin’ so fine today. @calgarylibrary @EastVillageYYC #yyc pic.twitter.com/pQwZMouBGo
— Tamara Lee (@micropainter) November 2, 2018
Reconciliation Bridge will be lit in light blue for the grand opening of the new Central Library! #HelloCentral @calgarylibrary photo: @Neil_Zee pic.twitter.com/1r6jlgyjQk
— East Village (@EastVillageYYC) November 2, 2018
It’s happening. #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/WwmnWOhDFC
— Lauren Herschel (@LaurenHerschel) November 1, 2018
I wasn’t a part of the planning, design or construction of the new Central Library. But today, on opening day it already feels like my community. Incredible work by all involved!! #ProudCitizenYYC #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/HCQfSrxZ3A
— z – Neil Zeller (@Neil_Zee) November 1, 2018
I toured the New Central Library today + was in absolute awe of the architecture, rooms, programs, features and more. I can’t share anything yet, but I’ll post on Thursday for opening day! Aside: this photo is totally #unfiltered. Sunset light is ?? #yyc #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/Aa6CLY8zG8
— Irene Seto (@HeySeto) October 31, 2018
Bill from @calgarylibrary says yes there are thousands of books, but tech/software courses, Indigenous elders, food services and coworking space make it more than the old idea of what a library should be. #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/w2ShtdQAZU
— Crystal Laderas (@CrisLaderas) November 1, 2018
Very excited for this space. Stay tuned… ??? #yyc #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/wXFY9lQZG2
— kait kucy (@kaitkucy) November 1, 2018
A close-up look at the installation of ‘FISH’ by artist Christian Moeller, found on the third floor of #NCLinEV, created from over 10,000 books. #stuartolsoncreates pic.twitter.com/UVvZcpjvyj
— Stuart Olson Inc. (@StuartOlsonInc) November 1, 2018
Warm congratulations from @EPLdotCA to @calgarylibrary on your new central library – Incredibly inspiring architecture @snohetta @DIALOG! #HelloCentral pic.twitter.com/iFH7QxT65D
— Pilar Martinez (@Pilarmart) November 1, 2018
Excited to be touring #yyc new Central Library. 4 levels of usable space, concert hall, special areas for teens, cafe, and of course lots and lots of books. @calgarylibrary @CTVMorningYYC #hellocentral pic.twitter.com/MLCY7qN7tr
— Lane Fraser (@CTVLaneFraser) November 1, 2018