“Modern,” “refreshing,” and “different,” are just some of the words that visitors used to describe the new Surrey City Centre Library, which officially opened on Sunday.
Thousands of people showed up to check out some of the library’s unique features. Being a library, books can certainly be found, but bookshelves only take up half of the space in the four-story building designed by Vancouver-based architect Bing Thom. The rest of the mainly white building features a living room with an electric fireplace and lounge furniture, a coffee shop, quiet study rooms, tons of sitting areas that include boulder-like chairs, a teen lounge and gaming area, and about 80 computers for public use. Natural light also streams in through the library’s many windows.
“It feels fresh, modern,” said Sara Chopek, a Capilano University student who said she’s used to libraries being “just desks and books.”
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“The architecture is so innovative and green, it’s not dreary like some libraries are,” she added.
A fire alarm went off earlier in the day and forced the library’s patrons to stand outside for a while, but the wait did not dampen their excitement. Once it was clear that there was no danger, many were eager to get back in to watch the grand opening entertainment, which included a choir, a lion dance, bhangra and break dancing performances, and children’s activities. Others wanted to keep touring the innovative library.
Harbinger Pooni, who brought his four-year-old son Devin, said he found the library different, and was impressed by the large number of computers.
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“Times change, and we are in the world of technology now,” he said. “Sometimes it great to get away from that, but this library caters to everyone because you get a chance to really read books, too.”
It is because times are changing that chief librarian Beth Barlow thinks libraries should no longer be just book warehouses where people read and learn. They should be a hub for community activity as well. Unlike traditional libraries, where people are expected to read quietly, the new Surrey library buzzes with activity and conversations.
“One of my vision is to see this place full of people using the library in whatever way they need to,” Barlow said. “We’re seeing people on the stairs just chatting, we have people sitting and reading in the living room, and the place is just full of energy.”
The library cosst $36 million and is funded by the federal government, the province and the city of Surrey.
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