{"id":4782,"date":"2018-10-31T23:01:03","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T06:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/?p=4782"},"modified":"2019-09-04T15:21:45","modified_gmt":"2019-09-04T22:21:45","slug":"downtown-central-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/?p=4782","title":{"rendered":"Checking Out The Downtown Central Library! 29 Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>The Downtown Central Library is Awesome!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Calgary&#8217;s Central Library is located just on the eastern edge of the downtown core and you&#8217;ll want to check it out, even if you don&#8217;t plan on borrowing anything. Designed by the Norwegian firm <a href=\"https:\/\/snohetta.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Snohetta<\/a>, it has multiple beautiful levels architecture filled with books, music, electronics, desks, play areas, comfy furniture, rooms you can use &#8211; and it&#8217;s all free! Named one of Time&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/collection\/worlds-greatest-places-2019\/5654128\/central-library-calgary-canada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Greatest places in 2019<\/a>, the central library is really a wonderful addition to our city that everyone should absolutely take advantage of.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>With your free Calgary Public Library membership also comes <a href=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/lifestyle\/calgary-public-library-lynda-free\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FREE access to Lynda.com<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Central Library Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/calgarylibrary.ca\/read-learn-and-explore\/central-library\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/calgarylibrary.ca<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Address: <a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/AgM2hnoVwu7CD3wJ6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Facebook: @<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/calgarylibrary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calgarylibrary<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Twitter: @<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/calgarylibrary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calgarylibrary<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Instagram: @<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/calgarylibrary\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calgarylibrary<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hours:\n<ul>\n<li>Monday &#8211; Thursday 9 AM &#8211; 8 PM<\/li>\n<li>Friday 9 AM &#8211; 6 PM<\/li>\n<li>Saturday 9 AM &#8211; 5 PM<\/li>\n<li>Sunday 12 PM &#8211; 5 PM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Old Downtown Central Library<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Calgary has been long overdue for a new library. The old downtown central library across from Olympic Plaza\/City Hall was built in the 60s, which explains why it looks and felt like a library from the 60&#8217;s, if you had ever visited it. They have since closed it permanently.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4793 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/old-central-calgary-library-e1541019754664.png\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"650\" height=\"415\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shaped like a box, poorly lit, lots of empty space, just not ideal for modern library. I think box shaped buildings were the style at the time. Kind of depressing. Wellsir, Calgary finally decided they&#8217;ve had it with these mother father old libraries on this mother father plane and for the last few years a whole new library been constructed in the East Village. It&#8217;s a way newer and hotter than the old library. Old and busted, new hotness. However you wanna say it, the new central library is incredible and it&#8217;s going to make Calgary a better place to live.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Calgary&#039;s New Central Library LRT Encapsulation Time Lapse\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y3jjfYNdNQM?start=2&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>OLD VS NEW. BATTLE OF THE AGES. LIBRARY VS LIBRARY<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>When the old central library was opened in in 1963 the population of Calgary was 276,975. In 2017 it was 1,246,337.<\/li>\n<li>Collections &#8211; active holdings (I guess that&#8217;s a fancy way of saying &#8216;books&#8217;) old central library: 340,000. New central library: 450,000.<\/li>\n<li>Public computers: old central library 120. New central library 220.<\/li>\n<li>Public seating: old central library 524. New central library 1925.<\/li>\n<li>Meeting rooms you can book and use for free: old central library 4. New central library 30+!<\/li>\n<li>Building square footage: old\u00a0central library 165,000. New\u00a0central library 240,000.<\/li>\n<li>Teen space square footage: old central library 1200. New\u00a0central library 3300.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Downtown Central Library Pictures<\/h2>\n<p>You&#8217;re going to love this place. The biggest difference between the old central library and the downtown central library I noticed was the lighting. Everything is well lit throughout the entire place, from top to bottom is a ton of natural light, plus LED lighting everywhere else. Even on the bookshelves man! Protip: the handrails are heated.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4827\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4827\" style=\"width: 1910px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4827 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside-620x413.jpg 620w, https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside-644x429.jpg 644w, https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library-outside-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4827\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">from yycnewcentrallibrary.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get to it shall we? Below are 29 pictures I randomly took on October 30th. They aren&#8217;t in any specific order, and I&#8217;ll toss comments in. Let&#8217;s get to it!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4824 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-view-e1541025904313.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The view from out back, facing 9th avenue and CP rail. That&#8217;s the BMO\/Stampede grounds on the left.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4823 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Video-games-e1541025883398.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Teens will be able to book time on gaming consoles for free. They had a PS4 Pro and a Nintendo Switch.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4822 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Teepee-e1541025865898.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>They have an actual teepee set up on whatever floor this was.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4821 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-teens-e1541025850892.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Low level shelves make it way easier for kids to access.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4820 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Technology-e1541025839976.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s all kinds of electronics that people can use for free. Everything is labeled and easy to find.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4819 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-stacks-e1541025813552.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Big open spaces and beautiful lighting!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4818 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-returns-robot-e1541025804330.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This machine is used by the staff to sort returned books. Based on bar code it&#8217;ll automatically get skidded into the correct cart, which a staffer will take to the shelf.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4817 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-playroom-e1541025795847.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In the children&#8217;s area of the downtown central library are various rooms for kids of various ages, that you can use\/book for free.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4816 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-open-space-e1541025785362.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4815 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-open-lighting-e1541025771772.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4814 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Nenshi-e1541025743754.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4813 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Meeting-Rooms-e1541025726133.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This room can be rented out. Charities get it at 50% off!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4812 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-kids-books-e1541025715256.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Everything is wheelchair accessible too.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4811 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Librarykids-area-e1541025703442.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"900\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kids are going to have so much fun in here!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4810 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-kids-e1541025691519.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Toys, books, educational things, lots of stimulation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4809 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-hall-e1541025679188.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This room smelled incredible.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4808 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Green-Room-e1541025669588.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary green room\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This green room? You can book it for free. There&#8217;s also some video equipment and stuff. Very cool!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4807 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-fish-wall-e1541025652376.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Every single one of those things is a real book. Don&#8217;t touch it though, probably took forever to do that.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4806 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Express-e1541025639531.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Library express, popular things to just grab and go. This is just inside the entrance.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4805 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Digital-Skills-e1541025626710.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The building is filled with spaces for people to study or work. Can&#8217;t waaaaaait!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4804 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-desks-e1541025614188.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4803 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-c-train-e1541025599981.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"900\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The view of 7th Avenue SW.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4802 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Computers-e1541025587574.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4801 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Chromebook-e1541025575631.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary chromebook\" width=\"900\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>An automated Chromebook station! Free! Pop your library card in and grab one. They have to stay in the library FYI.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4800 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Childrens-e1541025544642.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Part of the kids area. That floor is rubber and really soft.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4799 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Calgary-e1541025533212.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s an entire section just for books about Calgary.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4798 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-books-e1541025515956.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4797 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Bison-e1541025493113.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"900\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>That Bison is made of up letters from an indigenous language. There were several other art pieces throughout the downtown central library.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4796 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-Central-Library-Art-e1541025474163.jpg\" alt=\"New Central Library Calgary\" width=\"900\" height=\"1600\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The downtown central library is beautiful and Calgary is so incredibly lucky to have it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Downtown Central Library is Awesome! Calgary&#8217;s Central Library is located just on the eastern edge of the downtown core and you&#8217;ll want to check &#8230; <a title=\"Checking Out The Downtown Central Library! 29 Photos\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/?p=4782\" aria-label=\"Read more about Checking Out The Downtown Central Library! 29 Photos\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[339],"class_list":["post-4782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do-in-calgary","tag-calgary-public-library","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/New-central-library.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4782"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9665,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4782\/revisions\/9665"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}