Here are your thoughts on Ottawa's future central library - Action News
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Ottawa

Here are your thoughts on Ottawa's future central library

The initial reviews for the design of the joint Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada facility are in, and they're mostly positive.

Design for $192M facility unveiled Thursday

Central library design gets thumbs up from residents

5 years ago
Duration 1:35
The design for Ottawa's new central library was unveiled Thursday, with many residents saying they're impressed with the plans.

The initial reviews of the design of Ottawa's new central library are in, and they're mostly positive.

Many people who were involved in the public consultations came out to see the plans for the new building a joint facility involving the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada at an open house Thursday at the Ottawa Gallery.

The $192-million library buildingwill be located at the corner of Albert and Booth Streets at the edge of LeBreton Flats.

It's beingdesigned in tandem byDiamond Schmitt Architects from Toronto and Ottawa's KWC Architects. Diamond Schmitt Architects is the firm that reimaginedthe National Arts Centre on Elgin Street.

Architectural drawings of Ottawa's future central library branch were unveiled on Jan. 23, 2020. This one highlights shows the central town hall or atrium. (City of Ottawa)

'A magnificent building'

Wanda Kowalski said she felt like the people who attended the meetings coalesced around a few basic principles.

"Give us a library that is human. Give us a library that is egalitarian. Give us a library that has lots of windows so we can see our beautiful city," she said.

"I feel like crying. It's a magnificent building."

Lukas Stodola said the building looks like the result of successful collaboration with the public, adding that he's impressed by the proposedcentral town hall.

"It's really wide, open concept and it's really high [which] makes it an iconic feature of the building," he said.

People got a chance to judge the materials proposed for the new library facility hands-on at the Ottawa Art Gallery Thursday afternoon. (Matthew Kupfer/CBC)

A few reservations

Some people did express reservations about the location of the new building earlier in the process advocates wanted the library to be closer to the existing main branchor more integrated to the LRT station at Pimisi.

"I just hope the walk from the light rail isn't too cold in the winter," Jean Beaudet said.

Beaudet said she's pleased with the design overall and how it integrates with the environment.

"I see the children's space looks good and bright, which is inviting. I love a lot of the textural stuff."

What do you think? Take part in our online poll, or leave a comment below.