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

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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 awardAMO 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.

Project Update – Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library

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PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library (VMC) and Storefront Library construction fit-out phase continues with great progress in the Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) office building. Wall studs and rough in work for plumbing is ongoing throughout both library spaces, and electrical work is also scheduled concurrently. Graphics and signage processes have started and architects are working with a lighting consultant investigating options for the colour changing light strip for the second-floor library. Landscaping work is well underway throughout the site with a substantial completion targeted for Summer 2020 followed by the opening of the full facility.

View from south, next to transit terminal, showcasing the gold band around library

Landscaping work ongoing

Landscaping progress

 

 

 

 

 

Interior fit-out work progress

Framing of staff workroom

Framing of quiet study room

 

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

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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.

 

 

 

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

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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

 

 

New plaque at Civic Centre Resource Library

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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.

Silver LEED® plaque at Civic Centre Resource Library.

Civic Centre Resource Library’s latest window covering

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As you enter the Civic Centre Resource Library, you will now be greeted by a fantastic image at the front entrance of the library.

The photo was taken at the Grand Opening Celebration in September 2016 during a storytime led by staff member, Lonnie Freedman.

Front window at Civic Centre Resource Library

An over 10 feet tall by 14 feet wide, opaque vinyl image adorns the entrance at Civic Centre Resource Library.

 

New window coverings at Civic Centre Resource Library

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Check out the windows on the east side of the Civic Centre Resource Library! Eight windows have been covered with images, approximately 10 feet tall by 5 feet wide, depicting the many individuals who use the library and its resources.

Made of micro perforated vinyl, the window coverings allow for one-way vision from the inside. All images also have a silver filter to blend with the building and enhance the modern appearance.

East side window coverings of CCRL

The new window coverings at the Civic Centre Resource Library blend perfectly with the existing architecture.

Graphic designer with newly covered windows

Graphic designer, Elyse, with the newly-covered windows.

A Joyous Celebration

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Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Civic Centre Resource Library’s Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, September 10!

Sept 10 Ribbon Cutting

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Mayor, members of Council and the Vaughan Public Library Board.

At Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) ninth location, thousands of community members and their families enjoyed fun-filled activities such as demos in the library’s new digital media lab (includes a recording studio and green room), face painting, booktalks, storytimes and appearances by Kids’ CBC Patty & Bookaboo.

Grand Opening Celebration for CCRL

Thousands from the community joined us on this special day.

CCRL Grand Opening Celebration
Customers explored the various spaces available at Civic Centre Resource Library.
CCRL Grand Opening Celebration

Various musicians played in the Civic Centre Resource Library's music studio.

CCRL Grand Opening Celebration-green room

Guests were welcome to be filmed for "Canada in a Day" in the green room.

Kids' CBC Patty & Bookaboo

A variety of entertainment and music was enjoyed throughout the day, including storytime with Kids' CBC Patty and Bookaboo.

Missed the fun on September 10? Visit us at the Civic Centre Resource Library today!

 

Aerial view of the Civic Centre Resource Library

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You may have visited the Civic Centre Resource Library and seen the fantastic services and the gorgeous architecture inside and out.

Let us show you another view–from the air! Thanks to @jhunesalenga for this amazing footage. 

Vaughan Civic Centre Library – pre opening
Aerial view of Civic Centre Resource Library

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the Civic Centre Resource Library, stop by today at 2191 Major Mackenzie Drive in Vaughan!

September 10, 2016: Grand Opening Celebration of the Civic Centre Resource Library!

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Join us on Saturday, September 10 for Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) Grand Opening Celebration of its ninth location, the Civic Centre Resource Library. The official ceremony and ribbon cutting begins at 11 a.m. at 2191 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan.
Grand Opening Celebration September 10, 2016A fun-filled day is planned including appearances by Kids’ CBC Patty & Bookaboo, Franklin the Turtle and Scaredy Squirrel, demos in the library’s new digital media lab (includes a recording studio and green room), live entertainment, free refreshments, booktalks, giveaways and prizes, including the Grand Prize–a chance to win tickets to MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre. Click here for a schedule of events.

Special thanks goes to our Grand Opening Celebration sponsors: Aquicon Construction Co. Ltd., Colliers Project Leaders, Umanii, Seara Bakery, Toetera Fine Foods, Monte Carlo Inns and COBS Bread. Music throughout the day generously provided by The Replacements.