Library architects seeking input on 'finishing touches'

The architects behind Ottawa's new central library are asking residents to help them put the "finishing touches" on the facility before construction begins.

Samples of the wood, stone, copper and aluminum that may be used inside and outside the buildingwill be on display Tuesday evening at the Nepean Sportsplex andWednesday at Library and Archives Canada.

The library's design team is expected to unveil more complete plans in the new year, but they still wantinput on the "kind of look and feel" the public wants to see at the library, according to Don Schmittwith Diamond Schmitt Architects, one of the firms designing the new facility.

Schmitt says the public has already made a huge impact on the designduring three previous rounds of consultations held this pastspring and summer.

"Thepublic consultation has really changed things in the building. We've moved the children's area down lower, closer to entrances. We've made the genealogy centre much more prominent," said Schmitt.

There are high hopes for the new facility, which is expected to open in 2025 at the eastern edge of Lebreton Flats.

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Dozens of peopleattended a consultation on Monday evening at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orlans.

"I'm really hoping for ... a building of significance,"said Ryan Way, who attended the meeting.

"Something that can be world class, can rival things like the GuggenheimMuseum in New York, or other really large, magnificent buildings,and can really be a beacon for the city,"

RuxandraLungu has attended previous public consultations on the new library, and said she hopes to see the design close a "generational gap," so that residents who are both young and old can enjoy the facility.

"It's really important that a lot of thought goes into the building process," she said.

Michael Ireland, who has worked in libraries during his career, said he hopes the architects get "the right thing done."

"It's gotta be a place that people want to come to. Yes,there is a function, to borrow booksor learn new things But it's gotta be attractive," said Ireland.

Tuesday night's public consultation will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Nepean Sportsplex.

Wednesday's meeting will go from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Pellan Room at Library and Archives Canadaa partner in the project that's getting 40 per cent of the space in the new building.