Libraries

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.

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.

+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.

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.

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.