Library Buildings around the World

Library and Learning Commons, Centennial College, Toronto, ON – Canada 2011
Centennial College is moving ahead with a visionary plan to construct a new library and classrooms that will add much-needed
academic space at its flagship Progress Campus, thanks to a $35-million infrastructure investment by the federal and Ontario
governments. Construction is set to begin in August, with occupancy slated for as early as the summer of 2011. The 104,600-squarefoot
building, situated just north of the main campus entrance, will include a full-service library as well as 22 additional classrooms,
lab space and a large lecture theatre. The project is supported by the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP), a federal-provincial
initiative to renew Canada's college and university campuses. "We're delighted by the news that our bold library project has earned
financial support from two levels of government," says Ann Buller, Centennial College President and CEO. "It's wonderful to see
our colleges recognized by both Ottawa and Queen's Park for helping to develop the advanced skills so essential to Canada's
growth." The new library will offer state-of the-art technology with both in-house and remote access to digital resources, as well as
print and visual media collections. The learning-centred environment will be open, dynamic and physically adaptable to
accommodate various needs. A ‘Learning Commons' will function as a gathering place offering a gallery, small performance area
and classrooms with instructional technology and presentation technology suites. Under KIP, Ontario will invest $27.7 million
towards the new building and the federal government will provide $7.3 million in support. Centennial itself will contribute $5.8
million towards the $46-million project, which is expected to create about 460 construction jobs. The new library is part of a $143.5million
rejuvenation plan for Ontario's oldest college. Centennial is planning for additional enrolment growth when its campuses are
linked by Toronto's proposed light-rail transit lines. (Diamond)
Tommy Douglas Library, Burnaby, BC – Canada 2009
The Brock Learning Commons, designed by Diamond & Schmitt Architects Inc., will be an inviting learning space where physical
surroundings and student services will converge to create an environment that supports the informal and social dimensions of
learning. Centrally located at the heart of the campus on the main floor of the James A. Gibson Library, the Learning Commons
will also encompass the area previously occupied by the University Book Store. The renovations will result in an open expanse of
more than 20,000 sq. ft. dedicated to student learning space and service. The Learning Commons is a partnership among Career
Services, the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Educational Technologies, the Library, and the Student Development Centre. The
partners are very grateful to our students for their strong endorsement of the $4.5 million Learning Commons project by
committing $1 million over 5 years from the Brock University Students’ Union Strategic Expansion Fund.
Gerstein Science Information Centre, Reading Room, Toronto, ON – Canada 2008
Awards:
Awards of Excellence from the Ontario Association of Architects in 2010.
In 1996/97 the Frank Gerstein Charitable Foundation made a donation to the previously named Science and Medicine Library and
the library became known as the Gerstein Science Information Centre.
Prior donations in 1990-93 from full time undergraduate students improved the disabled entrance to the building.
Beginning in the early 2000's, a series of gifts from the Morrison family inspired the construction of the library's Morrison Pavilion
which is dedicated to study space for students. The Bertrand Gerstein Family Foundation made donations which aided in the
restoration of the beautiful ceiling and skylight of the original reading room, now called the Gerstein Reading Room. The Marvin
Gerstein Reading Room was also modified and now shows its previous beauty.
Donations from George Kiddell and the estate of Dorothy Ashbridge Bullen have enhanced facilities within the library.
The building renovations designed by Diamond & Schmitt Architects between 2001-2008 have received several architectural
awards. (http://www.donate.librarx.utoronto.ca)
North Vancouver City Library, Vancouver, BC – Canada 2008
The North Vancouver City Library is a landmark building servicing a growing community. The library and surrounding plaza
generates urban vitality and provides a community meeting place that compliments the surrounding business district.
The distribution of program space within the library is used to create superb study spaces overlooking either the Civic Plaza or the
Courtyard with unheralded mountain views.
Energy to the library is provided by the Central Lonsdale District Energy Plant, located beneath the plaza. A large array of solar
panels following the south slope of the roof monitor, provide heat for domestic hot water to the District. (Diamond)
The Heart of the City
Located in what is considered 'the heart of the City', the new North Vancouver City Library encompasses three levels of public space
totalling 36,000 square feet. More than twice the size of the old library, the new state-of-the-art facility features an expanded
collection of 150,000 library items, including DVDs, CDs and games. The adjoining Civic Plaza offers free wireless internet
connectivity for the public and a unique and welcoming gathering place for the community. Featuring a wireless café terrace, market
promenade and amphitheatre, the plaza provides easy access to the new library, City Hall, Lonsdale Avenue and the Central
Lonsdale neighbourhood.
Green and Gold Standards
The new library is one of the City's newest green buildings. Designed by world renowned architect, Jack Diamond and Diamond +
Schmitt Architects Inc. in a joint venture with CEI Architecture, the North Vancouver City Library was constructed to a minimum
LEED Silver standard. The City aims to achieve a LEED Gold standard in the near future. The library also represents a first for the
award winning Lonsdale Energy Corporation: it is the first facility in Central Lonsdale to enjoy high efficiency district energy
service using rooftop solar panels to generate alternative energy. (http://www.cnv.org)
Pierre Berton Resouce Library, Vaughan, ON - Canada – 2004
Client: Vaughan Public Libraries
Awards:
2007
Ontario Library Association - Award of Excellence
2006
American Library Association / International Interior Design Association, Library Interior Design Competition - Honor Award,
Public Library
2005
City of Vaughan, Vaughan Urban Design Awards - Honourable Mention
The Pierre Berton Resource Library is designed to serve the information, cultural, learning and leisure needs of a growing
multicultural population. Vaughan Public Libraries has been at the forefront of mobilizing new technology to benefit library users.
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