Central Library:
Design & Location
DESIGN PHASE 1: CONCEPT
The Thunder Bay Central Library will occupy approximately 55,000 square feet of floor space in the Intercity Shopping Centre. The main idea behind the new space is to provide core community infrastructure: the Library as a central gathering space for the community, where civic and social life happens and where the idea of community becomes reality.
The model is based on integration and collaboration - many community organizations working together in one fantastic and accessible location. Library programs, services and collections will anchor the space while community partners amplify what is on offer.
This Library will serve as a meeting point for parents, offering a place for them to talk and relax while their children play and learn. Seniors will have access to social and educational opportunities, along with access to Intercity Shopping Centre for a safe, climate-controlled space to stay engaged. Young adults will have access to space for recreation and creative expression in AV studios, makerspaces, podcasting booths and 3D printers. The Central Library will serve as a destination for diverse families and community members.
The design direction of the Library will highlight a few key themes. These themes include establishing a cultural knowledge village, prioritizing programming, creating a hub for technology and innovation, prioritizing accessibility and creating the Library as a destination for both local residents and visitors to the city.
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A core goal for the Central Library is to reflect and celebrate Indigenous culture and people. Central to the Library and physically located in the centre of our city will be the Indigenous Knowledge Centre. It offers a safe space for knowledge sharing, storytelling and relationship building. All residents, regardless of background, are encouraged to learn, engage and deepen their understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the original inhabitants of this land. Everyone has a part to play in Canadian efforts towards reconciliation and the celebration of Indigeneity.
In essence, the Central Library will serve as a communal space that builds on the traditional library experience with new services that cater to 21st century needs. It is designed to be a space that commemorates reconciliation, history, culture and art.
MAJOR CONCEPTUAL FEATURES
Establishing a Cultural Village: the Indigenous Knowledge Centre
Celebrating Thunder Bay’s rich Indigenous heritage, the Indigenous Knowledge Centre will serve as the heartbeat of the Central Library, with the surrounding program radiating from this focal point.
As mentioned, Indigneity and Indigenous Identity will serve as central themes of the Library space. Thunder Bay sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek Nation. As such, the Knowledge Centre is intentionally designed in the shape of a traditional Anishinabek Lodge.
Oriented true north, the Knowledge Centre will be a place where people can connect, share wisdom and knowledge. Nestled within are two key elements that hold cultural significance. The first is a Sharing Circle to the East which will remain open when not in use for ceremonial gatherings. The second is an indoor Fire Circle and Reading Area located to the West, with direct sight lines to the North and South Entrances. This adjacency holds cultural importance by representing the bridged connection between the spiritual and the physical.
The Story Room & Children’s Library
In Anishinabek culture, The Eastern door holds cultural significance and is directly related to birth, curiosity and innocence. As such, the Children’s Library and play areas have been positioned to the East. A portion of the Children’s Library, the “Story Room” is located directly through the Eastern Door of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre. For generations, stories and knowledge have been shared orally in Indigenous culture and this adjacency celebrates that tradition of knowledge transfer.
Surrounding the story room is more immersive children’s programming with dynamic elements that will be accessible to children of all ages, stages and abilities. A part of the Children’s Library will be accessible, interconnected children’s terraces. The play terraces will form a “Kids’ Village” providing a variety of environments for children to interact with.
OTHER KEY CONCEPTUAL FEATURES
Proposed Location
The new Central Library would be located in the centre of the city at the Intercity Shopping Centre. ISC offers free parking, is located on major bus routes, and is adjacent to the city Recreation Trail network, making it exceptionally easy to reach.
This location enhances our current Library system by filling a geographical gap and creating the first free public space in the centre of the city, accessible to all.
It provides a central meeting space for the community with a floor plan that can accommodate large numbers of people and serve diverse needs. Operating on one floor, with no stairs or accessibility barriers, makes this location one of the most attractive to seniors, families with young children and those with accessibility needs. Working with a modern structure without internal barriers, heritage limitations or legacy issues allows for the maximum potential of the Library to be realized.
Proposed Location
The new Central Library would be located in the centre of the city at the Intercity Shopping Centre. ISC offers free parking, is located on major bus routes, and is adjacent to the city Recreation Trail network, making it exceptionally easy to reach.
This location enhances our current Library system by filling a geographical gap and creating the first free public space in the centre of the city, accessible to all.
It provides a central meeting space for the community with a floor plan that can accommodate large numbers of people and serve diverse needs. Operating on one floor, with no stairs or accessibility barriers, makes this location one of the most attractive to seniors, families with young children and those with accessibility needs. Working with a modern structure without internal barriers, heritage limitations or legacy issues allows for the maximum potential of the Library to be realized.
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