Rosemount Branch Library

+VG Architects’ vision for the rehabilitation and renovation of the Rosemount Branch Library was to deliver an efficient and effective facility to the community and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) staff that would contribute to increased community activity, creative programming, and a socially inclusive and connected community.

The existing library has not undergone any significant renovation since 1982 and as a result the layout of the library does not properly support its current programs and activities. +VG addressed the many functional and operation deficiencies of the library through an economical, sustainable, historically respectful renovation and rehabilitation plan.

Our firm leveraged our previous experience on similar library projects to derive a new functional program for the Rosemount Library through comprehensive consultation with all project stakeholders, including City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library staff, citizens, and community groups. This project presented an opportunity to rehabilitate and renovate Ottawa’s only Carnegie Library in its centennial year, as well as to transform a historic and beloved public institution into a more legible reflection of the past and a beacon for the future.

LOCATION

Ottawa, Ontario

COMPLETED

2020

SIZE

6,089 ft²

SERVICES

Rehabilitation / Renovation

CATEGORIES

Heritage
Libraries

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kevin Belanger


Two students in central glazed meeting room with blue carpet, white chairs, wood plank floor and ceiling feature and tv screen

St. Lawrence College Library

+VG was retained to complete a design and contract administration for design services for renovations and upgrades to the St. Lawrence College Brockville Campus Library.

Improvements included interior design, ceiling and lighting replacement and energy efficiency upgrades. The space was expanded and the layout reconfigured to a more efficient use of the library. The high ceiling space allowed for the creation of new clerestory windows which provide natural light.

The new design of the library divides spaces into quiet and collaborative group spaces, improves barrier free accessibility and front desk reception space. The modernized library creates an improved experience for the students of the college.

LOCATION

Brockville, Ontario

COMPLETED

2018

SIZE

4,426 ft²

SERVICES

Renovation

CATEGORIES

Educational
Libraries

PHOTOGRAPHY

Janice Chung


Second storey with bookshelves, lime green lounge chairs along glass guard rail, white columns, and clerestory windows

Peterborough Public Library

The project is an addition and complete refresh to the Peterborough Main Public Library, located on Aylmer Street, west of the City centre.

The facility was opened in 1978 and was designed by Moriyama Architects. It is a two-storey brick building with curving clerestory flood- ing the interior collections space with light. The exterior stairs lead up to a compressed lobby entrance that connects to the open main collection area. The lower level has a community space, auditorium, a suite of administration offices, and a large storage and processing area.

The focus of the expansion is to have a strong street presence; be open, inviting, and transparent; and provide an accessible entrance, while increasing the amount of flexible community spaces. The existing facility will be transformed to be open, airy, and day-lit.

The layout will be reconfigured to increase public space in the lower level which will host the Children’s Library. A large opening will be provided in the floor above, allowing natural light and a feature stair to connect the collections. The view to the exterior court from the Children’s Library will be enhanced by landscaping the hillside.

More public computers, a lap top café, casual seating areas, study areas, and seminar rooms will be available.

LOCATION

Peterborough, Ontario

COMPLETED

2018

SIZE

45,000 ft²

SERVICES

Renovation & Addition

CATEGORY

Libraries

PHOTOGRAPHY

David Whittaker


Lounge seating along top of double height staircase with large windows, glass guard rail and white pendant lighting and wood book shelves in rows

Milton Central Public Library

Part of the Milton Centre for the Arts, the main Library complements the vision of the Milton Public Library Board for their service delivery model.

The Library includes space for: Broad, in-depth collections; Resources and programs; Children’s program room; Computer training and study rooms; Seating (including silent study space); and Workstations.

The project has consolidated the program into a single destination on the second floor. There are two main studios, one for adults and one for children. Main programming features of the Library include: Administration area including offices and staff lounge; Check out, central lobby, and central concession areas; Program, silent study and group study rooms; Children’s collection and reading areas; Fiction and non-fiction collections areas; and Washroom facilities and ancillary service uses.

The Library is part of a larger renovation project for the Milton Centre for the Arts which includes two theatre spaces: the Mattamy Theatre, a 500 seat theatre (21,000 ft2); and the adjacent Minmaxx Hall, a 200 seat multi-use theatre space which can be used as a performance space, private event space, or rehearsal space for the main theatre.

LOCATION

Milton, Ontario

COMPLETED

2011

SIZE

27,240 ft²

SERVICES

New Construction (Design/Build)

AWARDS

2012 PRO Award of Excellence in Design
Parks & Recreation Ontario


View of double height glazed addition from green lawn with canopy covered patio seating

Wellington County Public Library Hillsburgh Branch

This public library is located on a historical property containing a Century Home as well as a large pond and ancient trees.

This development provides state of the art library services while demonstrating lessons in natural and community history.

The new facility brings all the amenities associated with a modern library to this rural locale while maintaining the historical significance of the property.

The design incorporates the existing historical homestead by enveloping it within the new construction, positioned in such a way as to feature the existing home within the street views.

The use of mobile shelving serves to provide a space which can be arranged for larger functions either library-related or library adjacent.

LOCATION

Hillsburgh, Ontario

COMPLETED

2018

SIZE

10,000 ft²

SERVICES

Retrofit

CATEGORY

Libraries

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stan Switalski


View of illuminated stone front façade from across the street at dusk featuring archway entrance and windows

Wellington County Public Library Fergus Branch

+VG Architects were awarded this commission in 2012, following an intensive design competition.

The County expressed interest in achieving multiple parameters, which were addressed by the winning design:

  • Integration of the Library addition with the adjacent Grand River gorge and waterfront and with the busy, historic downtown streetscape as well “Windows and Vision”
  • A gathering place for people to congregate and develop a sense of community. Long term plans for the Township of Centre Wellington will make this area a Riverfront Walkway, with gardens and places to stop, read, enjoy the views, or socialize. This new Library project will be the catalyst to begin this process.
  • An opportunity to incorporate a multi-purpose space bringing the outside in and the inside out. Open space and garden area that can accommodate public readings, concerts, public gatherings, etc. with a view and access to the river/gorge.
  • Re-designed parking to be incorporated as part of the building design.
  • Incorporate and respect the natural surroundings. Tucked directly behind the Library, Templin Gardens is one of best places in Fergus and a major community attraction. The site offers visitors a quiet and relaxing setting where they can truly appreciate nature’s beauty. In addition to many flowers, the gardens contain a fishpond, rock garden, and steps leading to a balcony overlooking the Grand River.

LOCATION

Fergus, Ontario

COMPLETED

2014

SIZE

15,000 ft²

CATEGORY

Libraries


Boy studying at individual work station with white pendant lighting

Norfolk County Public Library

The building is owned by Grand Erie District School Board which has applied an innovative multi-use concept to create a valuable community resource from existing surplus space.

The sleek design of the new branch works “with the grain” of a former High School which has been adapted to new use, serving the Library, a new elementary school, and various public sector agencies. The whimsical design of the new front entrance way is comprised of translucent glass with coloured film on the inside. The split-level layout is designed for efficiency. The open concept allows the new Library to be operated with minimal staff. Spaces include bright reading and study areas and an inviting children’s room. Seminar rooms are available for public rental, which helps generate revenue for the County.

The expansion includes new activity and educational program areas, public washrooms, relocated Research Room and Archival Storage, multi-purpose space, storage space in the basement, and a new one storey gallery addition. +VG provided full architectural services.

LOCATION

Port Dover, Ontario

COMPLETED

2014

SIZE

8,700 ft²

SERVICES

Expansion

CATEGORY

Libraries

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stan Switalski


Bookshelf next to slanted glazed wall with sun casting shadows on red painted wall

Woodlands Multi-Use Public Library

The new Woodlands Public Library is an exceptional resource, fostering learning while encouraging exploration and collaboration within the community.

The Library, while being owned and operated by the City of Mississauga, will be jointly used by the residents of the Erindale District of Mississauga and the adjacent Woodlands Secondary School. Cooperation between the City and the School Board resulted in completely upgraded vehicular access, as well as student and community-use park areas surrounding the building.

The +VG design draws its reference from the open pages of a book, intended to open itself to the outside and engage discourse within the community. Inside, the entire building can be seen upon entering. Patrons are greeted with new multi-media centres, quiet study rooms and resources centres, while a fireplace at the heart of the building provides a relaxed and contemplative environment for casual reading.

LOCATION

Mississauga, Ontario

COMPLETED

2014

SIZE

8,000 ft²

SERVICES

New Construction

CATEGORY

Libraries