Ottawa Central Library Upcoming Consultation Workshops

READ Rosemount. November 14, 2019

Hello Library Lovers: Here is the link to information on the upcoming consultation workshops on the new central library (scheduled for completion in 2025). Attendance is free but you must register so the organizers can ensure there is enough space. The same workshop takes place on three separate days in three different parts of the city to make attendance as convenient as possible.

Hope to see you there at one of them.

https://ottawacentrallibrary.ca/introducing-inspire555-series

READ Rosemount
Josh Nutt, Chair

Rosemount Reno Update

October 28, 2019. READ Rosemount
Chair Josh Nutt recently received the following information from the Ottawa Public Library.

The Rosemount project is proceeding as per schedule. OPL will be posting periodic photos and updates on its website to let the community see the progress. So far, its has been a process of demolition so there isn’t much to show. Most of the interior demolition is complete. As is the case with any old building, there were a few surprises, but everything is proceeding well.

You will note that the tree in the front has been removed. This was a difficult decision; however, it was necessary for the foundation work for the new addition. When the construction is complete, it will be replaced by a Serviceberry tree which is native to Ontario, low maintenance and salt tolerant. It has dramatic seasonal interests with masses of showy white flowers in spring and brilliant yellow to red leaves colour in the fall. The red to purplish-black edible fruit in June will attracts birds. The new tree will be approximately 3m high when planted and will grow to a maximum of 6m high with a spread of 4m. This is an appropriately scaled tree for the planter and the restrictions of the overhead hydro wires nearby.

Photos above courtesy of READ Rosemount Group

The other obvious news is that the sidewalk in front of the library is closed. Closure will remain in effect until the end of October when a new sidewalk will be completed. This is required to install the foundations for the new retaining wall, stairs and ramp. Construction staff are working with the public to help them safely cross the street and are accommodating school children before and after school, to the extent feasible.

Dan Martelock, the artist selected to create a piece of community art for the Children’s space, completed his community engagement over the summer.  He will be working with local children this fall to move the project to the next stage. Elizabeth Sampson, Facilities Planning and Development, Ottawa Public Library

Rosemount Library Renos Begin. READ, August 2019

Area residents have been asking what is happening to the Rosemount renovation project??? Good News! As of August 14, 2019 the security fencing around the building has been installed and demolition has begun. The hoarding will include a covered walkway to be built on the road in front of the library. So the Rosemount Library reno is on its way! Have a look.

Rosemount pre-reno

Rosemount library to close for renos in June 2019

Scaled-down services will be available in a temporary spot at 1207 Wellington St. W.
CBC News – Posted May 13, 2019 –  Trevor Pritchard/CBC Ottawa
The Ottawa Public Library branch in Hintonburg is closing on Monday, June 3 to allow for renovation work that’s expected to take nearly a year. If the $2.4M project goes according to plan, the century-old branch should reopen in spring 2020 according to a news release issued by the City on Monday. Residents will be able to access some of the services normally offered by the branch, but on a reduced scale at 1207 Wellington St W. about a 5 minute walk west of the Rosemount branch. Otherwise the nearest branches are Main, Sunnyside, Emerald Plaza and Carlingwood.

For full article and architectural renderings of what the space will look like click here.

See also

Global News – Beatrice Local Online Journalist “OPL’s Rosemount Branch to close for renovations starting June 3.”

New Central Library Civic Engagement Process

READ Rosemount encourages citizens to become engaged in the design and development processes of Ottawa’s New Central Library to be located at 555 Albert Street on LeBreton Flats.

Engagement Process Unveiled for Ottawa’s new Central Library | Feb 8, 2019

The civic engagement process for Ottawa’s new central library facility at 555 Albert Street has begun. The process is labeled “Inspire555 Series“. The first two engagement workshops are scheduled for: Thursday, February 28 in the Pellan Room of the Library and Archives Canada building 395 Wellington E. from 6-9 pm and Saturday, March 2 in Hall A of the Nepean Sportsplex from 9-12 pm.

To register for one of the workshops (free) Click here:

For more detailed information on the process Click here.

Stay informed and have your say. Bookmark the website dedicated to the new central library. Click here.

ALERT: Rosemount Revitalization Open House-Round Two!

The Ottawa Public Library has announced that a second set of community consultations with the architects on the revitalization of the Rosemount Library will take place at two Open Houses on:
Thursday, December 13, 2018;   6 to 8 pm   and
Saturday, December 15, 2018; Noon to 2 pm.

Come by the  branch, meet your neighbours, hear the architects and share your ideas about what Rosemount branch can be.

Josh Nutt, Chair, READ Rosemount Community Group

Calgary’s New Central Library Opened Nov 1, 2018

While we are all waiting for our revitalized Rosemount Branch and Ottawa’s new central library to take shape, let’s have a look at (and celebrate!) the new central library in Calgary which opened Nov 1, 2018.  It was designed by Snøhetta, a Norwegian firm in partnership with the Canadian firm Dialog. Snøhetta also designed the Isabel Bader Performing Arts Centre (opened 2014) in Kingston (ON), the Norwegian Opera and Ballet Centre in Oslo (opened 2008) and the Olso Deichmanske Central Library scheduled to open in 2020.
Here are links to the news articles on the new Calgary Central Library:

CBC 
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/new-calgary-central-library-opens-1.4885079

Global:
https://globalnews.ca/video/4619442/calgarys-new-central-library-now-open-to-the-public

 Calgary Herald
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/spectacular-new-central-library-opens-with-an-emphasis-on-younger-generation

 Canadian Architect
https://www.canadianarchitect.com/architecture/official-opening-design-of-new-calgary-library-gets-positive-reviews/1003745010/

CBC
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/indigenous-art-calgary-central-library-1.4813475

Have a look at Canada’s newest central library! 

Rosemount Library Revitalization: Ensuring Community Voices are Heard

READ Rosemount, Oct 21, 2018

On October 3, the Ottawa Public Library hosted a very well attended open house regarding the revitalization of the Rosemount library-a branch the Ottawa Public Library located in a 100 year old building. The small lower-level meeting/program space at Rosemount was packed as members of the community circulated to examine design ideas for the future Rosemount. Attendees shared their own ideas and feedback by writing on Post-It notes and attaching them to various poster-boards created by +VG Architects – the project architects.

”The Open House was busy and shows that our community is keenly interested on the future of our local library,” said Josh Nutt, Chair of the Rosemount Expansion and Development Group (READ). “I heard great ideas for how to make Rosemount better and a bit bigger. The OPL and +VG Architects must take the time to reflect on what the community said and incorporate the feedback into the preliminary design. READ will continue to hold the OPL accountable and will push for a presentation from the architects when the preliminary design is released in December 2018.”

One particular design element that seemed to be the subject of criticism was the OPL’s focus on outdoor space. Many open house attendees expressed concerns that outdoor space would have limited use given Ottawa’s climate. In READ’s view, the focus should be on expanding and improving the indoor space.

The ongoing community consultations allow residents to give feedback on all aspects of the proposed renovation. READ believes that the Rosemount branch must meet the demands of the diverse and growing Kitchissippi neighbourhood. The library should be re-designed so it becomes an innovative, interactive, and integrated community hub. READ also encourages people to consider what design features would allow Rosemount to serve the high-needs and vulnerable groups and individuals in the community.

The Ottawa Public Library is still seeking feedback through an online survey. As well as the survey, the display boards and photos used at the Open House are also on the OPL website at biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/rosemount-revitalization-presentation.

A second consultation in December will present a preliminary design based on the input received from the community. READ is asking that the format for this December consultation feature a presentation by the architects, followed by a question and answer session. It is important that there be a dialogue so all attendees can hear each other’s viewpoints.

To see what’s happening with library branch development in other urban Canadian cities CLICK HERE

READ Rosemount