Learn It Lab | Building Projects

Things are “looking up” at Vaughan Public Libraries

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!

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.