Share your thoughts on what should be in the new Ottawa Central Library

_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa, May 25, 2016 **

• The public is invited to share their thoughts on the spaces and uses of the new flagship Ottawa Central Library. Two upcoming sessions are the latest in a series of consultations on “ _ what _ ” should be in the new facility. Since 2013, more than 3,000 people have shared their thoughts on this topic both in-person and online.

The sessions will be the first opportunity for people to see how “space and use” planning has developed in response to earlier feedback, best practices, and technical expertise; and to share their thoughts and ideas.

Members of the public can attend one of two sessions, which will be identical in format and content.  The first will take place ** June 15 ** in ** Jean Pigott Place at Ottawa City Hall ** . The second session is scheduled for ** June 22 ** at ** Library and Archives Canada (LAC), 395 Wellington Street. ** Participants can drop-in between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to review information, engage in discussions with internal and external experts, and provide comments and input at themed kiosks.

“The way in which people use libraries has changed over the years” said Tim Tierney, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board, and Councillor for Beacon Hill – Cyrville. “Modern libraries are no longer seen only as spaces for quiet study and reflection.  While libraries still offer spaces for that purpose, they are also community hubs for the exchange of ideas, information, and knowledge.”

Earlier this year, the OPL Board directed staff to explore two possible paths for the development of the Ottawa Central Library - either as a standalone building or a joint facility in response to the interest expressed by LAC.

“This will be our first opportunity to discuss with the public what a joint facility could offer in terms of enhanced services and programs,” said Dr. Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada. “The potential partnership will allow us to build on our shared values to deliver a richer experience for our clients and provide a unique offering in Canada.”

The feedback and input gathered in these sessions, along with best practices and technical expertise will be used to develop detailed requirements.  These requirements will feed into the design process, which will be the focus of public consultations in 2017.

More information on the project is available on the Ottawa Central Library website .

_ About the Ottawa Central Library project _

_ The Ottawa Public Library has embarked on the most prominent project in its history - the development of a modern Ottawa Central Library in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. A key piece of Ottawa’s transformation into a world-class city, the Ottawa Central Library will be an inclusive, dynamic home for creativity and learning, and will serve as a community branch, a city-wide service, and a destination for both residents and visitors to the City of Ottawa and Nation’s Capital. For more information on the project visit _ _ www.ottawacentrallibrary.ca _

_ About Ottawa Public Library _

_ The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America, with 34 branches, physical and virtual at _ _ BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ , mobile libraries, and a vending machine library service. OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter _ _ Twitter.com/OPL_BPO _ _ and like us on Facebook _ _ Facebook.com/BiblioOttawaLibrary _ _ . Contact us at 613-580-2940 or _ _ InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ . If it’s out there, it’s in here! _

_ About Library and Archives Canada _

_ The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on _ _ Twitter _ _ (@LibraryArchives), Facebook , Flickr and _ _ YouTube _ _ . _