The New Central Library in Calgary

The New Central Public Library opens today in Calgary, Alberta! Get your first peek at this remarkable space now on the blog. The stunning architecturally designed building and innovative facilities will make the library a place that your whole family will be excited to enjoy. Plus, see what I’m wearing to the Lit Gala tomorrow evening.

Dress to Express

Black Tulle Skirt from Chicwish/ Black Crochet Lace Cami from Chicwish/ Flats from The Gap

I felt pretty fortunate to tour the New Central Library before it’s opening day this week. I took advantage of the beautiful lighting to photograph the outfit that I will be wearing to the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Lit Gala this Friday night. The invitation said ” dress to express” so I’m showing off my personal chic and feminine style in this multi-tiered tulle skirt and separate lace crochet camisole. As always, I’ve stayed true to my affordable style sense as this entire outfit comes in a little over $100. I’m so excited about the event and the chance to hear musical duo Tegan and Sarah speak.

The New Central Library in Calgary

The most amazing thing about this space is that it is accessible to everyone with your free library card. It is one of 20 community libraries in Calgary. The New Central library is located just steps from the City Hall C-Train stop in East Village Calgary. It’s a place that you could spend hours wandering any of the 5 floors and 240,000 square feet of building space. The combination of oak wood and exposed concrete is sure to make it one of the most photographed places in our city. My favourite spot has to be beside these huge geometric windows boasting beautiful views of Downtown Calgary.

For Your Kids!

No matter what age of children you have, they will love coming to the New Central Library. There is even a teen floor that I wish that I could hang out in! It’s a funky space complete with boards games, huge televisions with gaming systems and of course stacks of great books and magazines.

For your littles, check out the 2-story indoor play place! Grab a coffee at the espresso bar and let your kids explore. There are over 12,000 square feet in this interactive play area. This is exactly the kind of place that I yearned for when my kids were little and I needed to get out of the house for a few hours during the day. There is even a Nursing Room! Daily programs are being offered and can be explored online.

Cool Features

When I got to tour the space as media this week, I was blown away by all of the cool features this library has to offer. If you own a library card, you have access to everything! There are meeting rooms, a video green screen, podcast recording equipment, and even chrome books that you can easily reserve with the use of your card. As a blogger who works from home, it’s definitely a place that I can’t wait to utilize and be productive in. What an amazing addition to our city!

Opening Weekend

This Saturday, enjoy free Calgary transit for your whole family and head down to celebrate this newest addition to our city! There will be food trucks, a giant Lite Brite, craft stations, balloon installation, Indigenous drumming, dancing and beading demonstrations. You can also catch a general and architecture tour throughout both days! Check out the website to see a full schedule of the weekend festivities.