Award-winning Canadian library buildings

Vaughan Public Libraries, Civic Centre Resource Library. Photo credit: doublespace photography and zasa.com

The recipients showcase excellence in architectural design, environmental stewardship, connections with local histories and serving growing communities by providing exciting spaces.

“Newly-built libraries today reflect the strong desire for public places that instil a sense of community pride and are, at the same time, highly flexible and functional spaces,” comments Shelagh Paterson, executive director, Ontario Library Association.

The four recipients are:

Brampton Library, Springdale Branch by RDHA: “The view from the street is intriguing! It raises your curiosity and invites you to explore. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the LEED Gold certified Springdale library is the building’s connection to the local environment and community. The building is situated as close to the street as possible to help reach out to the neighbourhood and offers a stunning new architectural feature to draw residents into this vibrant new facility."

Hamilton Public Library, Binbrook Branch by Invizij Architects: “With a nod to the area’s agrarian past, the new Binbrook branch of the Hamilton Public Library artfully combines the town’s rich rural history with contemporary library design to meet the growing needs of Binbrook’s growing population and urban intensification."

Toronto Public Library, Albion Branch by Perkins and Will Canada: “Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Toronto Public Library’s new Albion branch is the community consultation process that preceded the design and construction. The result of that process embodies what a twenty-first century library is as a vibrant centre for community building."

Vaughan Public Libraries, Civic Centre Resource Library by ZAS Architects + Interiors: “An amazing architectural and geometric engineering achievement! A visually stunning façade that appears to change from transparent to solid as the daylight changes throughout the day. The library is built as a visionary makerspace that provides a much-needed centre for community learning, gathering, creating and celebration."