resource library | Building Projects

External Signage Coming Soon at Civic Centre Resource Library

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Denise | Tagged building projects, building update, Civic Centre Resource Library, new, open to the public, renovations, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

External signage for Civic Centre Resource Library coming in 2020! Through a competitive bidding process, Vaughan Public Libraries has engaged Steel Art Signs to install external signage and a fourteen foot high pylon with electronic message centre in front of Civic Centre Resource Library on Major Mackenzie Drive.

Fourteen f00t high pylon with electronic message centre in front of Civic Centre Resource Library on Major Mackenzie Drive.

Halo-illuminated 36″ reverse channel letters to easily see the Library from a distance.

Preview of Library signage placement.

Civic Centre Resource Library Signage Project- Part 1

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Denise | Tagged building update, city of vaughan, Civic Centre Resource Library, new, new library, open to the public, renovations, resource library, vaughan, vaughan public libraries, welcoming atmosphere, windows

Through a competitive bidding process, Vaughan Public Libraries has engaged Steel Art Signs to design external and internal signage for Civic Centre Resource Library. Internal signage installation has been completed and external signage is anticipated to be completed in 2020.

Library entrance signage.

Window graphics signage at entrance to direct customers to Library Return slot at side of building.

CREATE IT! and Teens space on first floor.

CREATE IT! space Recording Studio door.

Frosted vinyl signage on eight study rooms.

Washrooms signage.

Wayfinding signage for washrooms.

Hanging sign for Outdoor Patio on second floor.

Library Administration signage second floor.

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.

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

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.

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!

The Learn It! Lab Storytime Area.

New windows in the Learn It! Storytime Area.

New windows in the Learn It! Lab Storytime Area.

View from the Main Hall.

The Children’s Pass Through and Merchandising Area.

Display stations.

The Family Lounge Area.

The southwest wall of the Learn It! Lab.

Bench seating installed.

Big, beautiful windows will allow natural light to flow through the space.

The east wall of the Learn It! Lab.

Close-up of the shelving where Learn It! equipment will be showcased.

Close-up of the shelving where the Learn It! Lab equipment will be showcased.

Future entrance into the library.

Ceiling detail of the Learn It! Lab.

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.