Building Projects
Edmonton is growing rapidly and EPL is keeping pace. We have several approved library building projects at various stages of planning, design and construction. From brand new libraries in new locations to renovations and expansions in existing communities, we're growing to serve our customers and communities even better than ever!
Bold new space. Same great place.
After months of planning and construction we have moved into our new…er…old location. Well, you know what we mean...we're back at our former location at 9010 - 156 Street - just bigger and better!
On Monday, February 25 we opened the doors to an iconic new building that is sure to become a landmark of Jasper Place and surrounding communities.
Features of the new branch include:
- 19 public computer stations plus two Early Literacy Stations
- Cheerful children’s area
- Community program room
- Expanded reading areas for all ages
- Quiet study room
- Second floor mezzanine
- Outdoor terrace
- LEED certified for green building design and construction
Come in and check us out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did we rebuild the library?
The last major renovation to the old library was in 1988 and the branch was in need of extensive repairs. Since that time, the community’s needs have changed and the availability of new types of library services have developed requiring additional and/or alternative spaces to meet these needs.
Where is the new library located?
We rebuilt the Jasper Place Branch in the same location as the former branch at 9010 – 156 Street.
When did the temporary Jasper Place Branch close?
Doors to the temporary branch closed on Saturday, February 23, 2013.
When did the new library open?
Monday, February 25, 2013.
How big is the new library?
The new branch is approximately 15,000 square feet over two levels.
When will you begin offering programs again at the new branch?
We will be offering a full slate of programs for the whole family starting at the end of March.
What are the hours of service for the new library?
Mon - Thu >> 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri, Sat >> 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun >> 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. Participation in the LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The Jasper Place Branch is aiming for LEED Gold certification. Some of the interesting LEED facts about the new branch include:
- An alternative vehicle fueling station on site (for electric vehicle)
- Over 90% of the space has direct day lighting
- Over 75% of all construction waste diverted from entering the landfill
If you have more questions, ask one of our friendly staff or call us at 780.496.1810.
Background
The Highlands Branch has been serving customers in northeast Edmonton, Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities since 1962 when it began operations in a storefront. In 1963, the branch moved into a cottage at 8606-118 Avenue and was affectionately known as the “Little House Library”. The current building, located at 6710-118 Avenue, was constructed in 1964. Since that time, the area's population has grown and its needs related to library service have changed.
Construction will begin soon and we hope that a new library stimulates further development and upgrading along 118th Avenue as well as improving the quality of life for area residents. The proposed design is intended to be an open pavilion conveying the idea of democracy and openness, that the building is open to all; a free public space, a place to read, a place to learn, a place to meet, a place to be. The new Highlands Branch - being re-built in its current location - will be a distinctive landmark for the district and corridor with its bold form and openness. Expected opening date for the new branch is Fall 2013.
Temporary Location - WE'RE OPEN!!!
The existing library closed on Monday, November 21, 2011. But while we're under construction, visit us at our temporary location just one block east at 6516 - 118 Avenue.
The temporary location is now open to the public and offers limited resources and services, including:
- Hold pick-ups
- Material returns (including after-hours book drop)
- Limited selection of high demand materials, including: CDs, DVDs, video games, Hits-To-Go, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers
- Limited public computers with Internet access
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
Due to limited space, programs will not be offered at the temporary location. However, Highlands staff will be redeployed to the nearby Abbottsfield, Londonderry and Sprucewood locations to allow for increased programming in these locations. We will also be looking at alternative ways of delivering programs outside the library in the Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities.
Temporary location hours of operation
Mon, Fri, Sat >> 10am to 6pm
Tue, Wed, Thu >> 10am to 8pm
Sun >> closed
Have more questions? Download our Frequently Asked Questions.
Architect's Renderings
(Prime Consultants: Marshall Tittemore Architects and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects)
In partnership with the City of Edmonton, the Clareview Community Recreation Centre and The Clareview Library is a year-round multi-purpose facility which integrates the library with an aquatic centre and fitness centre along with outdoor sports fields and park spaces. Construction on the entire facility began in Fall 2011 with expected completion in 2014.
The library will be approximately 18,000 square feet and features:
- Public computer stations (free wi-fi) and photocopiers
- Community program room
- Quiet study rooms
- Childrens, teens and adults reading areas
- Freshwater aquarium and fireplace
- Express checkout stations
- 24 hour item return (exterior)
Architect's Renderings
(Prime Consultants: Arndt Tkalcic Bengert Architecture and Teeple Architects)
Click here for more information on the Clareview Community Recreation Centre & Edmonton Public Library.
The Meadows Community Recreation Centre and The Meadows Library, located along 23rd Avenue and 17th Street in southeast Edmonton, is a collaboration between EPL and the City of Edmonton. In addition to the library, this multi-purpose facility includes indoor skating arenas, swimming pools, fitness centre and gymnasium, as well as outdoor sports and recreation fields. Construction on the entire facility began September 2011 and is expected to open in 2014.
The library will be approximately 15,000 square feet and features an outdoor culture bowl and reading garden. Other library highlights include:
- Public computer stations (free wi-fi) and photocopiers
- Community program room
- Quiet study room
- Children's, teens and adults reading areas
- Freshwater aquarium and fireplace
- Express checkout stations
Read the latest newsletter for more information.
In the News
Ground breaks on multi-use facility, Edmonton Examiner - October 5, 2011
Municipal Sustainability Initiative, Alberta Municipal Affairs Website - September 2011
Dynamic Community Hub Growing in the Meadow, City of Edmonton News Release - September 28, 2011
Article from ArchDaily - October 22, 2010
Architect's Renderings & Construction Photos
(Prime Consultants: Group2 Architecture Engineering Ltd. and Shore Tilbe Perkins + Will)
About EPL's Mill Woods Branch
Location
The new Mill Woods Library, Seniors and Multicultural Centre will be situated in the immediate vicinity of the Mill Woods Town Centre and Mill Woods Transit Centre. The new library is planned to be in the order of 25,000 square feet, almost double the size of its current location (approx. 12,800 square feet). Expected completion date is 2014.
Currently the Mill Woods Branch is the only library branch serving residents in the City’s southeast, defined as the area south of 63 Avenue/Argyll Road and east of Gateway Boulevard.
Statistics
In 2010, the Mill Woods Branch was the second most visited EPL branch with nearly 633,000 visitors (a 5.6% increase over 2009). Items borrowed from the Mill Woods Branch increased by 19% during this time with over 1.2 million items borrowed in 2010 ranking it third among all EPL branches.
The Mill Woods Branch serves an area of about 84,800 people.
Diversity
Mill Woods is a culturally diverse community, with many residents speaking languages other than Canada’s two official languages of English and French. The 2006 federal census shows that non-official languages are the mother tongue of 29% of the target area’s residents, as compared to 26% of Edmonton residents. As well, 17% of the Mill Woods Branch service area’s population speaks a non-official language most often at home, which is higher than the City figure of 13%. The 2006 Canada census data also indicates that compared to Edmonton as a whole, the residential neighborhoods of the Mill Woods Branch service area have a higher percentage of immigrants, with 28% of the population having been born outside Canada, as compared to 23% for the City of Edmonton.
The Mill Woods Branch works collaboratively with Mill Woods agencies and organizations to provide programs and services that meet identified needs, particularly those of newcomers and immigrants of all ages.
Architect's Renderings
(Prime Consultants: DUB Architects and Hughes Condon Marler Architects)
