At last, we get inside . . .

It has been a long time since I contributed to the Chief’s blog and for that I apologize. It has been amazingly busy as we nail the final details for the new library – furniture, signage, shelving and getting all those RFID tags in our materials so that the material handling equipment will work.

As you can see the building is really looking beautiful. The solar panels on the roof are installed and operating. The plaza next to the library has been poured, the brick-work is complete on the West side and is now beginning on the east.

Pictured below left is a view looking at the west of the library. You can see the brick face and the lovely outdoor terrace on the third floor.

Pictured below right, is a closer look at the iron spot brick-work which displays a rich, dark, patina.

I was on site a week ago and thought you might like to have a sneak preview of the elegant interiors that are beginning to take shape.

Pictured right, we see a view from the ground floor up through the three storey light well to the clear storey above.

There will be incredible views available from the west side interiors. Below left, is the wonderful view to the Lionsgate Bridge, taken from the outside terrace on the third floor.

And lastly, directly below we can see 'The Room!' which will house the teen collections and game gear.

We are getting very excited. Each week brings something new. I noticed today that pendulant lighting on the second and third floors have been installed – with orange shrouds and all!

The construction of the plaza is beginning to show the amazing public space that will be the civic heart in central Lonsdale.

Next time I write I hope I can give you a glimpse of the interiors with carpet and paint.

Before closing, I also want to encourage you to check out the Library Website. See how you can be involved in our community fundraising campaign to enrich our new library with special features such as the imaginative play centre and children’s reading garden, language learning labs, special collections and equipment to mention a few of our fundraised projects.

We need your help!

Until Next Time,

Jane Watkins,

Chief Librarian

Talk about the Old and the New!

It has been over a month now since I have written, and the new library continues to progress as you can see from the most recent photo. In this post I talk about our latest construction progress and also answer some questions about the future of the old library, as well as providing information about the interiors of the new building.

The crane has now gone from the site, the roof is complete and over 90% of the glass is now installed. The beauty bars (that would be the aluminum strips) between the panes give the “beauty “ touch and the riggers for the glass over hang are in place. The electrical, ducting and wall studs are currently being installed. All in all, it is really starting to look and feel like a library

Work continues on the LEC (Lonsdale Energy Commission). Right now you can see the pipes being run from the power plant to the library. The pipes will carry the water heated via the solar panels on the roof.

As promised here are the answers to several questions I have received recently:

You Asked: Is the old library going to be torn down?
No. The old library will remain. It is a companion building to City Hall. It’s 14,000 square feet will serve as a much needed expansion to City Hall. The library building will be renovated to accommodate the office and meeting space needs of City Staff and their associated Committees.

You Asked: What is the library going to look like on the inside?

The entrance interiors will create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Douglas fir will be featured throughout and complimented by texturized grey flooring. Here customers will be welcomed, materials returned or borrowed, computers will be available, with new materials displayed in a bookstore atmosphere. This floor will also house children’s services and a commercial café.

Soft greens are planned for the second floor to create a visual transition from the warmer lower level to the more temperate environment of a media centre and readers’ advisory service area. As you can see a more inviting magazine area is being created to allow for easier browsing using natural light to help illuminate available selections.

The second floor also features an area for teens. With its unique décor and state of the art technology it is sure to please.



Much more to come in future posts. In the meantime feel free to keep those questions coming. Talk with you next time!

Jane Watkins,
Chief Librarian

Building Gazing…..I mean Glazing!

What a difference just two weeks make! We now have a sense of that wonderful transparent south façade.

Watching the installation of the glass panels has been fascinating. Each panel is lifted, delivered and gently guided into each frame.

It was breathtaking to watch the glass held perpendicular by just three very large suction cups. As you can tell, yes. . . there are moments in the week when we stop to 'building-watch'!

Thanks to you all for your kind comments about the blog and your questions.

You asked – Is the exterior just going to be concrete and glass?

As you can see the south façade is all glass. What is currently showing as grey will be fritted glass which will reduce solar gain and glare. In addition to the green building qualities, the fritting will provide an attractive horizontal patterning on the façade. Two sets of horizontal glass fins are yet to be added to assist in deflection of the sun.

The north east and north west walls that currently appear as concrete will be brick – it is a dark iron spot brick which has a ‘raku-like’ appearance. It reminds me of raindrops! Such a lovely juxtaposition to the sunny south façade.

I would like to clarify though, the north wall is not completely bricked. Floor to ceiling glass on all three levels reveal stunning views up to Grouse and the north shore mountains. There will be many opportunities to find a seat with a view!

I also want to mention that North Vancouver City Library is lucky to be supported by the Friends of North Vancouver City Library. The Friends are having their 3rd Annual AGM next weekend between 2.00 - 4.00 pm in the community room at Summerhill Residences on 15th Street. I will be giving a slide presentation about the new library. Come on out and join us! Coffee and treats will be served.

For my next post I’ll some information about how the the interiors of the Library will look! And of course, I'll continue to provide answers to any questions!

Hope to see you Saturday.

Jane

Welcome to the New Library Blog

Well, here it goes. My first Chief Librarian’s posting. 2008 is going to be such an exciting year for us at the Library as we watch the construction of our beautiful new facility grow up before our eyes. I hope to write every two weeks to keep everyone up to date with the progress of the new library and to answer any questions you may have.

Here is the latest photo taken on Friday, January 25, 2008.

The building is really taking shape. The front entrance canopy went in this week. The roof is on, and the roof monitor is currently being installed.


The roof monitor will house solar panels which will collect energy for the Lonsdale Energy Corporation Power Plant. The construction of the Central Lonsdale Power Plant is happening just outside the front door of the current library.

Here are the answers to some of the questions we have been asked recently:

• Our tentative opening date for the new library is set for September 22, 2008;
  
• There will be 113 underground parking spaces beneath the library. The entrance will be off 14th street;
  
• The collection WILL be larger! We'll have 150,000 items. That’s 50,000 more than we currently have - and yes, we'll have an expanded audio and DVD collection too;
  
• We'll keep the current library open as long as we possibly can before the move. We are anticipating no more than 2-3 weeks closure;
  

I look forward to receiving your questions and answering them next time.

Jane Watkins
Chief Librarian