Main Library

One of the Ottawa Public Library’s strategic directions focuses on developing our places and spaces.  It’s a key priority for the Library to care for, maintain and improve our facilities.

At the September 2011 meeting of the Library Board, OPL was directed to “…undertake an external building condition assessment of the Main Library building that will examine expansion potential, building flexibility, end of life, and structural soundness; and, that will identify proposed remedies and recommendations including estimated costs”.   This study will help the Library get a better sense of the building’s projected life expectancy and help us plan appropriately for the needs of citizens in the 21^st century.

Located at 120 Metcalfe, the Main Library opened in January 1974.  At 88,000 square feet, it is the both the largest and busiest branch in our system.  The building has not undergone a comprehensive renovation since it opened, although repairs were made in 2007 to address an emergency structural issue. 

With the building coming up to its 40^th anniversary in 2014, it is both timely and prudent to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Main Library at this time.   The firm Morrison Hershfield has been hired to begin work on this project, and will coordinate all of the engineering disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) needed to produce a final report, which is expected by mid-2012. 

The full Board report may be found here: http://biblioottawalibrary.ca/sites/biblioottawalibrary.ca/files/Board_Docs/110912/110912_3.pdf