News Release
The temporary Highlands Branch will be closing on July 5th so we can move to our new location at 6710 118 Ave. The new branch will open in mid-July 2014.
Background
The Highlands Branch has been serving customers in northeast Edmonton, Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities since 1962 when it began operations in a storefront. In 1963, the branch moved into a cottage at 8606-118 Avenue and was affectionately known as the “Little House Library”. The current building, located at 6710-118 Avenue, was constructed in 1964. Since that time, the area’s population has grown and its needs related to library service have changed.
Construction will begin soon and we hope that a new library stimulates further development and upgrading along 118th Avenue as well as improving the quality of life for area residents. The proposed design is intended to be an open pavilion conveying the idea of democracy and openness, that the building is open to all; a free public space, a place to read, a place to learn, a place to meet, a place to be. The new Highlands Branch – being re-built in its current location – will be a distinctive landmark for the district and corridor with its bold form and openness. Expected opening date for the new branch is Summer 2014.
New Branch FAQ
How big is the new library?
The new branch is approximately 11,800 square feet over two floors which is 2,200 square feet larger than the old branch.
How big will the collection size be at the new library?
We will have approximately 30,000 items available to be borrowed from the branch. The collection has roughly 18,500 more items than the old branch.
What are some of the features of the new library?
- 18 public computer stations
- Larger children’s area
- Bigger program room
- Expanded reading areas for adults
- Dedicated teen space
- Quiet study & reading area
- Second floor mezzanine
- New technologies and devices to promote making and cretion in branch
- Two 24 hour return chutes
When will the new location offer programs?
We will begin a regular schedule of programming for the whole family in September 2014 with some limited programs offered in July and August 2014 for Summer Reading Club.
What are the hours of service for the new library?
Mon-Thu – 10am to 9pm
Fri & Sat – 10am to 6pm
Sun – 1pm to 5pm
Temporary Location
Customers can return borrowed items after July 5th to the new location two blocks west at 6710 118 Ave.
While we’re under construction, visit us at our temporary location just one block east at 6516 – 118 Avenue.
The temporary location is now open until July 5th and offers limited resources and services, including:
- Hold pick-ups
- Material returns (including after-hours book drop)
- Limited selection of high demand materials, including: CDs, DVDs, video games, Hits-To-Go, paperbacks, magazines and newspapers
- Limited public computers with Internet access
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
Due to limited space, programs will not be offered at the temporary location. However, Highlands staff will be redeployed to the nearby Abbottsfield, Londonderry and Sprucewood locations to allow for increased programming in these locations. We will also be looking at alternative ways of delivering programs outside the library in the Highlands, Montrose and Bellevue communities.
Temporary location hours of operation
Mon, Fri, Sat >> 10am to 6pm
Tue, Wed, Thu >> 10am to 8pm
Sun >> closed
LEED Certification
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. Participation in the LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.The new Highlands Branch is aiming for LEED Gold certification.
The new Highlands location recently passed the LEED Indoor Air Quality Test. As per Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Standards for New Construction (NC2009), the following levels were required to pass the test:
1) Carbon Monoxide – Less than 9 parts per million (ppm)
2) Formaldehyde – Less than 27 parts per billion (ppb)
3) Total Volatile Organic Compounds – Less than 500 micrograms per cubic meter (218 parts per billion as isobutylene equivalents)
4) Particulate Matter 10 Microns – Less than 50 micrograms per cubic meter
Pinoy Edmonton News 