open to the public | Building Projects

Civic Centre Resource Library Recognized for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Award

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, civic centre, Civic Centre Resource Library, construction, decor, open to the public, vaughan, welcoming atmosphere, windows

Commitment to build an exceptional and lively city and providing exciting spaces for the future are just a few notable features of the recipients of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Federal Gas Tax Fund distinguished award. AMO award is presented annually to municipal governments that showcase excellence in the use of the Federal Gas Tax Fund. Tim Simmonds, Vaughan’s Interim City Manager, received the award at the annual AMO Conference in Ottawa on August 20 for Vaughan Public Libraries’ Civic Centre Resource Library (CCRL).

CCRL, an award-winning and LEED Silver Certified library, successfully “offers programs and resources in a modern public space, all while using less energy than traditional building models” Jamie McGarvey, AMO President. CCRL encompasses energy-efficient features including LED and motion sensor lighting, efficient mechanical and electrical systems, high-performance insulation and windows, drought tolerant landscaping, low-flow plumbing, roofing that reduces heat loss, refillable water stations, three-stream recycling services, low volatile organic compound sealants, adhesives, paints, and coatings and more! It is indeed an accomplishment when one infrastructure can make a difference in our community by addressing local needs, creating economic growth and achieving environmental outcomes.

We invite you to stop by CCRL to see this exceptional project that has redefined traditional expectations of libraries all while enjoying the variety of programs and resources we offer.

Library Forthcoming in the New Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Denise | Tagged construction, Construction undergoing inside the library at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Hospital library, new, new furniture, new library, open to the public, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

Early in 2017, Mackenzie Health (MH) and Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) began an innovative collaboration of a proposed shared facility rooted in a shared vision of library space and services at the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital (MVH).

This shared vision was to:

Co-design an exceptional public library at MVH that will serve as a welcoming destination for hospital patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers and the greater Vaughan community.
Offer public library services at MVH that will connect and inspire all.

Guided by this vision and design work, the project with our partners began. The project is well underway with an anticipated opening of the new 4000 sq ft. Hospital Library in December 2020.

Margie Singleton (CEO) and Aleksandra Dowiat-Vine (Director of Growth & Communications) visit Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital Library, which will be located at the main entrance of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital on Major Mackenzie Road

Future Service Desk area

Library view from Hospital Lobby on main level

View into library marketplace and sitting area from library’s main entrance

View inside library’s stacks area

Civic Centre Resource Library Wins the 2019 OLA New Library Building Award

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, civic centre, Civic Centre Resource Library, new furniture, new library, open to the public, resource library, tree, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

Stunning architecture, environmental stewardship, connections with local histories, and serving growing communities by providing exciting spaces are just a few notable aspects of the recipients of the 2019 Ontario Library Association (OLA) New Library Building Award.

Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) Civic Centre Resource Library is one of the four recipients of the distinguished award, including Brampton Library, Hamilton Public Library, and Toronto Public Library- Albion Branch.

The OLA Library Building Award encourages and showcases excellence in the architectural design and planning of libraries in Ontario. The award is divided into two alternating categories (Library Architectural and Design Transformation, and New Library Buildings) and runs every third year to allow a critical number of projects in all types of libraries to accumulate.

“Newly-built libraries today reflect the strong desire for public places that instill a sense of community pride and are, at the same time, highly flexible and functional spaces,” comments Shelagh Paterson, executive director, OLA.

Civic Centre Resource Library, ZAS Architects + Interiors

From the jury: “An amazing architectural and geometric engineering achievement! A visually stunning façade that appears to change from transparent to solid as the daylight changes throughout the day. The library is built as a visionary makerspace that provides a much needed centre for community learning, gathering, creating and celebration. Through the innovative design process, ZAS Architects created impressively wide-open spaces that allow flexibility for library programming and that can be easily redefined without limitations. The result is a cultural destination that inspires creativity, provides a welcoming place to gather and interact, and that has attracted new users enriching community life in the rapidly growing City of Vaughan”.

Margie Singleton (Chief Executive Officer, Vaughan Public Libraries) and Paul Stevens (Senior Principal, ZAS Architects + Interiors) receive the OLA Building Award for the Civic Centre Resource Library, at OLA’s Annual Institute on the Library as Place event on July 10, 2019.

Vaughan Metropolitan Centre 360 Degree Virtual Tour

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, city of vaughan, construction, new, new library, open to the public, PwC Tower, vaughan, vaughan metropolitan centre, VMC

Explore Vaughan’s vibrant, modern urban centre for residents and businesses through this interactive 360 Degree Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) video tour. You will catch a glimpse of the building’s inspiring multi-use office towers, upcoming VMC Library and Storefront Library, subway access, open green space, urban squares, pedestrian shopping areas and restaurants, and walking and cycling paths.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmOdyAfL2pk&t=28s

Watch VMC’s interactive virtual 360 tour, an emerging downtown poised to be the financial, innovation and cultural centre of Vaughan.

We Have Espresso Bars!

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building update, Civic Centre Resource Library, new, open to the public, Pierre Berton Resource Library, renovations, resource library, welcoming atmosphere

For our coffee lovers, nothing beats that rush of caffeine to the brain. Get excited, Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) recently rolled out coffee vending machines at the Civic Centre and Bathurst Clark Resource Libraries (coming soon to Pierre Berton Resource Library)! Get a cup of premium coffee, cappuccino, mocha or even a tea latte, whatever you like!

Have Facebook? Watch a demonstration on how you can get your cuppa at VPL’s Espresso Bar.

Try the Civic Centre Resource Library’s Espresso bar and vending machines near the library entrance

Espresso Bar Menu

Enjoy the Espresso Bar along with other vending machines in the library at Bathurst Clark Resource Library

It’s Springtime: Vaughan Public Libraries Outdoor Spaces Are Open!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Denise | Tagged Civic Centre Resource Library, community library, decor, kleinburg library, open to the public, outdoors, Pleasant Ridge Library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

It’s undeniable: Spring is in the air and everyone is yearning to be outside. Vaughan Public Libraries has several beautiful reading gardens that are now open for you to use and enjoy.

As the days get warmer, what could be more perfect than reading outdoors? Come by to enjoy our outdoor spaces where you can enjoy comfortable seating, nice views, and some fresh air. Sit back and read a book or maybe even write one! Feel free to take out magazines or newspapers from our collection and stay up-to-date while relishing the breeze. And, of course, also enjoy access to our free Wi-Fi connection on your devices. Consider the outdoor spaces an additional library space for your use and pleasure.

Young customer enjoying outdoor reading in Kleinburg Library’s reading garden.

Comfortable seating and picturesque views in the Civic Centre Resource Library (CCRL) reading garden.

CCRL’s second floor beautiful outdoor patio that is full of natural light.

CCRL’s second floor beautiful patio

Beautiful exterior reading garden at Pleasant Ridge Library

Seniors practicing their square dancing in the Pleasant Ridge Library reading garden.

Vellore Village Library’s large outdoor balcony overlooking skate park

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!

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.

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.

Bathurst Clark Resource Library is now open!

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Denise | Tagged bathurst clark resource library, building projects, building update, city of vaughan, construction, decor, open to the public, renovations, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere

After being closed for renovations, VPL is excited to announce Bathurst Clark Resource Library is now re-open to the public.

With new paint and carpeting throughout, you will notice more comfy seating, expanded and flexible study spaces including upgraded and refurbished study tables with electrical outlets, meeting/study rooms with white boards, renovated washrooms and two convenient book return slots on the exterior wall of the Library! According to one customer, the renovations make the space feel “lighter and brighter”. Be sure to check it out yourself!

Entrance to Bathurst Clark Resource Library with new seating on both sides.

New bar seating by the vending machines and main entrance.

New, comfy seating, paint and carpeting throughout the library.

Expanded study areas.

More study tables with electrical outlets.

Friendly VPL staff to answer your questions.

Bright, renovated washrooms.

Convenient book return slots by the library entrance.

Close-up of exterior book return slots.

The temporary children’s area as construction continues on the new space including the Learn It! lab.

Construction still continues on the Children's area and Learn It! lab

Construction continues on the Children’s area and Learn It! lab.

*Please note the Children’s area is temporarily smaller until the new Children’s area and Learn It! Lab are completed, which is expected to open in December. Until then, all children’s programming will be held at Dufferin Clark Library.