EDMONTON — A popular Edmonton library is now operating in a new space. The Edmonton Public Library at the Mill Woods Town Centre has moved to its own location one block away.
At 25,000 square feet, the new $21.3 million facility is double the size of the previous location.
The new library features a community program room, four study rooms, over 45 public computer stations, and a children’s area with an outdoor garden space.
The previous location was the second most visited Edmonton Public Library in 2014 with over 500,000 visitors.
“As one of EPL’s busiest branches, the Mill Woods location was in need of significant upgrades and expanded space,” said Ellen Calabrese-Amrhein, Chair of the EPL Board of Trustees.
“This new library will allow us to continue meeting identified needs in an area of Edmonton that only continues to grow.”
Aside from the services, the intent is to create a social hub in Mill Woods. The new library is designed to be open and inviting, with 60 per cent of the building’s exterior being glass.
“There’s efficiency in that from a cost point of view, but it also becomes a real gathering place for the community. Parents can do one thing while kids do something else, and those chance encounters between citizens that builds community,” explained Mayor Don Iveson.
“We look forward to welcoming both longtime and new customers in this growing and diverse neighbourhood to learn and connect here,” said Linda Cook , CEO of EPL.
The new Mill Woods library is located at 2610 Hewes Way.