city of vaughan | Building Projects

Update on the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, construction, decor, new, vaughan, vaughan metropolitan centre, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library, vaughan public libraries, VMC, windows

PROGRESS ON CONSTRUCTION WORK

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library (VMC) and Storefront Library construction fit-out phase continues with great progress. This includes installation of many internal walls and partitions. Vaughan Public Libraries’ staff continue to meet regularly with project architects and discussions regarding signage, wayfinding and graphic design are ongoing. Substantial completion continues to be targeted for mid 2020 followed by the opening of the full facility.

View from west into children’s area

View from south into Storefront Library

Inside Storefront Library.

Book return installed!

Library entrance area. Elevators and staff workroom situated behind walls.

Quiet study area overlooking lobby.

Library view west towards children’s area.

Project Update – Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, community library, construction, new, new library, storefront library, vaughan, vaughan metropolitan centre, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library, vaughan public libraries, VMC

BACKGROUND

Construction of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library (VMC) and Storefront location is progressing well. The 9,000 sq. ft. library located on the second floor of the office building features popular design elements found in all VPL libraries. These elements will include a marketplace featuring new and popular materials, quiet and group study, bright and open children’s area, mobile furniture on castors, and newest and self-service technologies. The 400 sq. ft. Storefront library will be located below the library directly at the street level. The Storefront library will be completely self-service, feature access to new and popular materials and will be accessible to users by scanning their library card.

LIBRARY INTERIORS

MJMA architectural firm has been retained by the project partners to design the interior spaces and finishes for the library, the City’s recreational space and the YMCA. VPL staff have worked closely with the architects since 2017 to complete the interior finishes ensuring the VPL Board’s vision for both spaces was incorporated as per the Board direction. At a recent meeting of the Vaughan Public Library Board, the architects presented the interior designs for both the Community library space and the Storefront library and solicited the Board’s feedback. Suggestions supplied by the Board have been incorporated and enabled the library construction to progress.

-The 9,000 sq. ft. Vaughan Metropolitan Library design

-Interior designs for the Community library space and Storefront library

VMC Libraries Update: March 28

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, community library, construction, new, new library, PwC Tower, vaughan, vaughan metropolitan centre, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library, vaughan public libraries, VMC

Construction continues on the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library (VMC) and storefront locations in the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) office building in the city’s new downtown area.

The 400 sq. ft. storefront location will be located at the street level and will feature access to new and popular materials and will be accessible to users by swiping their library card. The 9,000 sq. ft. library will be located on the second floor of the building and will have access to a community kitchen enabling VPL to introduce a suite of culinary literacy programming once opened.

The PwC building which houses the two libraries.

The view from the southeast. The library is located on the second floor.

The storefront library at the east side of the building.

The northwest view towards the Children’s Area.

The view towards the west.

South view from the second floor.

New plaque at Civic Centre Resource Library

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building update, city of vaughan, Civic Centre Resource Library, decor, new, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries

When you step into the entrance of the Civic Centre Resource Library (CCRL), take a look to your right to see the new LEED® plaque pictured below that we just received. The beautifully-etched glass signifies CCRL as the recipient of LEED® Silver Certification.

LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is an internationally recognized green building rating system. It provides a framework to create healthy and high-performance buildings that can result in cost-savings. CCRL has various features that improve the overall environmental impact of the building saving energy, conserving water and reducing waste including:

A high albedo roofing system;
Efficient LED and motion sensor lighting that helps conserve energy when rooms are unoccupied;
Mechanical and electrical systems that control ventilation and variable speed fans to ensure efficient operation;
High-performance glazing that reduces solar heat gain and glare;
Low flow plumbing fixtures that reduce the amount of potable water consumed;
Drought-tolerant landscaping and native plants that require little to no water;
Refillable water stations and the adoption of recycling services.

Would you like to know more about the architecture and environmental features? Join us at CCRL for a guided tour of the building, on Tuesdays or by request, or peruse our LEED® brochure.

Silver LEED® plaque at Civic Centre Resource Library.

Things are “looking up” at Vaughan Public Libraries

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, city of vaughan, Civic Centre Resource Library, community library, decor, Learn It Lab, open to the public, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, Vellore Village Library, welcoming atmosphere

Vaughan Public Libraries’ ten locations have so much to offer, but have you ever noticed the ceiling of your local branch? From simple lighting to hanging sound baffles, each library has its own unique design elements to its ceiling. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most recently constructed/renovated locations.

Triangular baffles and circular lighting give Vellore Village Library a feeling of space and airiness.

Hanging white sound baffles and circular lights greet you as you enter Civic Centre Resource Library.

High ceilings with rectangular baffles and circular lighting give "shape" to a comfortable area to read.

High ceilings with rectangular baffles and circular lighting at Civic Centre Resource Library give “shape” to a comfortable area to read.

The hanging lighting and playful colours add a feeling of joy in Bathurst Clark Resource Library’s LEARN IT! Lab.

A fun curve of light greets you as you enter the LEARN IT! Lab from the north entrance.

Lights and circles catch your eye as you enter the LEARN IT! Lab from the east entrance.

What have you noticed on the ceiling of your local library? From exquisite details to simple lines, be sure to “look up” while you are looking for your favourite book next time you visit the library!

VMC Construction Update: Quick peek at the second floor library

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, community library, construction, new, new library, PwC Tower, vaughan, vaughan metropolitan centre, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library, vaughan public libraries, VMC

Located in the PwC Tower of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC), Vaughan Public Libraries will have libraries on the first and second floors for your convenience.

The library at street level will be the first of its kind in Vaughan, a 350 sq. ft. self-service quick stop that will feature popular materials and bestsellers. The second-floor library will be full service with beloved VPL staff, tons of resources and your favourite VPL programming!

Below are current photos of the second floor library.

East view from the library’s Marketplace into the Children’s Area.

West view where adult books will be shelved and a study area will be.

Officially Open: The New Children’s Area and Learn It! Lab

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building update, city of vaughan, decor, Learn It Lab, new, new furniture, open to the public, renovations, resource library, Thornhill, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

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 New Children’s Area and LEARN IT! Lab at Bathurst Clark Resource Library to Open Soon!

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building projects, building update, city of vaughan, decor, Learn It Lab, new, new furniture, renovations, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

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.

Decorative resin panels at north entrance of Children's Area.

Decorative panels at north entrance of Children’s Area.

Circular pass-through.

Future Learn It! display and storage.

New furniture to be placed.

Circular ceiling lighting.

Facing east.

Early Literacy computers are set up.

Facing northwest.

Books are being shelved.

Storage space and a future spot for more computers.

The east entrance to the Children’s Area.

January 20, 2019: Celebration at Bathurst Clark Resource Library

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building projects, city of vaughan, construction, Learn It Lab, maker, new, new Children's Area, open to the public, renovations, resource library, technology, vaughan, vaughan public libraries

Join us on January 20 as Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) celebrates Bathurst Clark Resource Library’s 25th anniversary and the grand opening of the Library’s new Children’s Area and Learn It! Lab. The official welcome will take place from 10:30 to 11 a.m., followed by the opening of the new spaces.

The day will be filled with exciting activities for all ages including a special Family Storytime with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, magic by X.Ray, puppet show by Applefun Puppetry, pop-up storytimes, book arts workshops and STEAM activities! Visit our website to see the schedule of the day.

Learn It! Lab and Children’s Area Renovations at Bathurst Clark Resource Library

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building projects, building update, city of vaughan, new, renovations, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, windows

Renovations of the Children’s Area and Learn It! Lab at Bathurst Clark Resource Library are progressing very well. You can now envision how fabulous the space will be once it’s completed!