SOURCES OF FUNDING
$8.5 million was raised by the VPL Foundation towards Phase One, with the City of Vancouver contributing an additional $9 million.
Current fundraising is now focused on Phase Two: the renewal and enhancement of the lower three levels of Central Library, with the first step being the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Library on level one. The City of Vancouver has allocated $4.5 million towards this project, and the VPL Foundation has raised an additional $2.5 million. With a total project budget of $10 million, we are looking to raise an additional $3 million from the philanthropic community.
PHASE ONE
(Complete – Opened September 29, 2018)
Phase One of a revitalized Central Library was completed in 2018. The new storeys on Levels 8 & 9 encompass more than 35,000 square feet of adaptable, flexible spaces, and feature a double height atrium space, meeting rooms where writers, filmmakers, and other storytellers can work, mentor, and collaborate; an intimate theatre for screenings, performances, and lectures; community program spaces; a rooftop garden and two outdoor terraces.
Current fundraising is now focused on Phase Two: the renewal and enhancement of the lower three levels of Central Library.
PHASE TWO
Currently Raising Funds
A dramatic expansion of the lower level Children’s Library
The revitalization of the Children’s Library will open up over 3,000 square feet of new public space, including activity zones for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. The highlight of this new area will be a multi-level play space providing challenges – for all ages and abilities – that engage children’s whole bodies and imagination while building pre-literacy and literacy skills.
A revitalized and renewed main floor
The revived main floor will serve as a vibrant gateway to the library. Befitting a library in a city that cares about learning, this entryway will showcase the many ways people learn: through books and reading, dialogue in many languages, events, multimedia and technology, and interaction with each other.
Central Library will also create new programming spaces, comfortable lounges for meet-ups, spaces for quick technology access, and showcases for VPL’s newest collections.
The redesigned space will also recognize and celebrate the cultures of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh) and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Coast Salish peoples, each with their own rich cultural heritage and bright futures which will be honoured and amplified.
A connected and energetic digital hub and Teen Centre
VPL is committed to ensuring that everyone has the same access to technology; fostering collaboration and unleashing creativity. As such, Central Library is making Level 3 a digital hub, packed with computer workstations, tutoring and meeting pods, collaborative spaces and fully wired meeting rooms. Also, an expanded and energized Teen Centre will have a distinct identity that gives these youth the opportunity to explore their interests and creativity, in a dedicated area all their own.
At the heart of this floor, the Inspiration Lab will continue to combine traditional and new media in a space built for digital creativity, collaboration, and experimentation: analog-to-digital conversion, sound studios, video editing suites and self-publishing support, all benefitting the city’s artistic and visionary communities.