A library in west Edmonton is about to reopen to the public after undergoing an extensive rebuild.
Construction on rebuilding Jasper Place Public Library at 9010 156 Street began two years ago.
The new 15,000 square-foot, two-floor facility features an expanded program room, mezzanine, more natural lighting, softer seating and is built to be more environmentally-friendly than the previous library.
“It is going to be a LEED-silver at minimum and we’re anticipating it will be a LEED-gold building so that energy-efficiency is living up to our green standard that we have in our organization,” said Pilar Martinez, deputy CEO with the Edmonton Public Library.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to open to our public.”
LEED is Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design. To reach a gold standard, a building must meet certain standards in its design, construction and operations.
Some distinctions of the new library that make it LEED-certified is over 90 per cent of space has direct day lighting, over 75 per cent of all construction waste is diverted from entering the landfill and an alternative vehicle fueling station is on site.
Martinez said the inside of the library is just about completed.
“We have to finish loading up the shelves… there’s quite a few things to do outside,” Martinez said.
“We are anticipating it will be all in shape for Monday morning when the public is waiting to get in and see their brand new library.”
The new branch will feature 19 public computer stations, two early literacy stations, a children’s area, community program room, expanded reading areas, a quiet study room, a second-floor mezzanine, and an outdoor terrace.
The last major renovation to the old library was in 1988 and is one of several city libraries getting re-done.
“It’s one of several facilities we have on the go, we have Highlands, Mill Woods, Meadows, Clareview,” Martinez said.
“It’s to reinvigorate the libraries across Edmonton and we’re very excited.”
The new Jasper Place library will open to the public Monday, Feb. 25, and officials say it is “sure to become a landmark of Jasper Place and surrounding communities.”
