January | 2019 | Building Projects

The snow didn’t stop the celebration on January 20 as we officially opened the new Children’s Area and Learn It! Lab at Bathurst Clark Resource Library. Thanks to all of those who joined in the celebration!

Looking through the new pass-through with Peter Kent, MP; Minister Michael Tibollo, Vaughan-Woodbridge MPP; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; VPL CEO, Margie Singleton and VPL Board Chair, Dr. Devender Sandhu.

Looking through the new pass-through with Peter Kent, MP; Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Michael Tibollo; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; VPL CEO, Margie Singleton and VPL Board Chair, Dr. Devender Sandhu.

Mayor, Members of Council, Vaughan Library Board, VPL Executive Management Team with the project's architect and construction representatives.

Front row (left to right): VPL Board Trustees, Loreta Pavese, Ralph Cinelli, Vice-Chair Rose Savage, Board Chair Dr. Devender Sandhu, Maya Goldenberg, Palma Pallante and Gary Thompson. Back row (left to right): VPL Director of Growth & Communications, Aleksandra Dowiat Vine; VPL Director of Finance & Community Spaces, Sandy Vander Werff; President of Massive Devcon Corp., Ali Ozden; Peter Kent, MP; Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Michael Tibollo; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; Ward 4 Councillor and VPL Board Trustee, Sandra Yeung Racco; City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Linda Jackson; Principal of Ward99 Architects, Tina Ranieri-D’Ovdio and VPL Director of Customer Experience, Lisa McDonough.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua with the Vaughan Public LIbrary Board working together on the rigamajig.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and members of the Vaughan Public Library Board working together on the rigamajig.

The very busy and popular Technology Bar.

A special storytime with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Puppet show by Applefun Puppetry.

Fantastic things to discover in the Learn It! Lab.

For more highlights from the day, visit VPL’s Facebook page.

The air at Bathurst Clark Resource Library is buzzing with excitement as VPL prepares the new Children’s Area and LEARN IT! Lab to open to the public.

Renovations began last summer, completing Phase One which included the painting and replacing all the carpet in the main public library space; additional comfy new chairs and study tables enlarging study space and increasing seating; the renovation of the main washrooms; and the creation of a program/meeting room and two exterior book return slots in front of the library.

Phase Two included the new Children’s Area, a space created specifically for children and their families where they will be able to enjoy hands-on literacy-rich experiences. The area also includes the LEARN IT! Lab, VPL’s digital creation and digital literacy space for kids. The project overall has increased space for public use by 3,000 square feet.

Design features of Phase Two:
• Programs and materials for children, including storytimes, book clubs and technology training
• Family reading area
• An abundance of technology including iPads on two technology bars, Early Literacy computers, Chromebooks, 3D printer, Cricut® (smart-tech cutting machine), and more
• Powered, circular children’s homework tables
• Comfortable, moveable seating and vibrant colours throughout this flexible usage of space
• New, large windows providing an abundance of natural light
• Decorative, Varia Ecoresin panels and a circular, Corian chrome-coloured pass-through add to the playful and welcoming atmosphere
• Children’s height self-checkout station
• Artistic, modern-style lighting
• Plenty of connectivity for charging devices

Phase Two also included the addition in the main library of a laptop kiosk and a universal washroom to accommodate a wheeled mobility device.