Usually my weekends revolve around getting in a long run or hiking in the mountains. I don’t know what to do with myself when I am not squeezing in a run or two. Don’t get me wrong, I usually find something to do but it always leaves me with a feeling of something is missing.
Yesterday after working out at the gym and doing weekend errands, I headed downtown to check out Calgary’s new Central Library. This library is a big deal. The $245-million masterpiece has been 14 years in the making. The doors officially opened on November 1st. I was not one of the thousands that flooded the library to get a first look. I wanted to wait until things are calmed down a bit before I could get a close look.
First off let me say … it’s always cause for celebration when a new library opens.
It’s hard not to spot the half-moon shaped building from the city hall transit spot in the East Village. (Then when you get closer you can smell something that is quite off. I remember a couple people mentioned the smell outside the library. I forgot about it until I was standing outside the doors.) Besides that there were tons of people gazing at the building and taking photos.
There was a steady stream of people coming and going too. You could clearly tell that everyone was excited to check out the new building. I never saw the old one so I can’t really say much about that one. All I know is that it was an old building and desperately needed an upgrade.
Wow. That’s all I could say when I stepped into the building. The vast open space coupled with the light shining through the windows really stops you in your place. I didn’t know which way to go first.
I missed the tour. I would like to go back another time to hear more about the building’s architecture. Sure I can read all about it but I would rather hear someone talk about it. It stays with you more that way. Sona is coming to visit in a couple weeks so hopefully we can book a tour. I don’t even want to start describing the building until I get a solid tour.
A few times, I wondered if I was even in a library. There was so much going on and so much to see. Meeting rooms. Play areas. Study areas. Cafes. Etc. Etc. Etc. Maybe this is the new direction for libraries? I know my library friends are going to be excited! I talked to these two women (top left) while we watched a couple of children try to type on the typewriter. We joked that they had never seen them before in their lives.
Some guy beside me commented that “it was sick.” I agree it was outstanding and it resonated with me. I Googled Mr. Russell to find out more about his work. Click here to read more about this artist and his work. Also check him out here in this short Indigenous Voices documentary here.
I wandered around the library for a couple of hours. Simply gorgeous. Because I have a few on the go right now, I simply ran my fingers along the shelves. I want to finish the books I have right now before I take any more out.
I have no doubt Calgary’s new landmark will definitely be a big draw for the city. I highly encourage you to visit this 240,000-square foot building if you haven’t already.What are you waiting for?