A new Library
The Library has outgrown its current home. We were designed for a population of up to 50,000 people and we are currently over 60,000. We were also designed to house a collection of about 100,000 items - and we currently have almost 173,000 books and audiovisual items on the shelves. You may find it difficult to get a spot at one of the study tables, or wonder why we can't offer more programs - our lack of space is the reason why! Our Library is 25,000 square feet, and for a population and collection our size we need about 60,000 square feet.
You can find out more about the space pressures and what improvements we could make if we had either a new larger main Library or a second branch Library by following the links below.
We are still adding new items to this page so keep checking back for updates.
What impact does the lack of space have?
Click here to find out how the lack of space affects you.
Presentation to Council July 2010
At a recent Council meeting on the new downtown redevelopment plans, Chair of the Library Board, Kelly Aisenstat spoke on behalf of the Library Board in support of a new larger Library cited on the corner of Perron Street and St. Anne Street. He explained that the Library has long outgrown its current home and that because of its high levels of use (6 million visitors in the last 25 years and almost 300,000 visitors in the last year) a new Library would provide an "anchor" facility for a new downtown area. You can see Kelly's presentation slides here.
Read the 2009 Library Board Press Release on the new downtown vision for St. Albert.
Results of the 2009 survey
Last year we carried out a survey of residents. Part of that survey covered St. Albertan's views on Library expansion. Here are some slides that show the results. For the full survey results click here.
New Libraries across Alberta
Check out the new libraries some Albertans are enjoying (or are about to enjoy):
The Library is part of the Montrose Cultural Centre which opened in Summer 2009. The 60,000 square foot building houses the Public Library, the Prairie Art Gallery, community meeting rooms and a cafe.
Lois Hole Branch Library, Edmonton
This Library replaced (and doubled the size of) the Lessard Branch and opened in 2008. It has automatic check-in, a meeting room, and a children's area with an outdoor reading garden and an aquarium.
Due to open soon, this Library will double in size from 32,500 square feet to 64,000 square feet. There will be quiet study areas, interactive children's areas, a welcoming space for teens, Internet cafe, group meeting rooms and more program and public rooms.
The Crossings Brnach Library is being built as part of the West Lethbridge Centre. It will be co-located with two schools. Due to open soon.
The Library is part of MacDonald Island Park, a recreation facility (fitness centre, aquatic centre, golf course, child-minding centre, indoor playground).
What might you see in a new St. Albert Library?
Click here to see some ideas about how your Library experience could be improved.
