HPL

This post is going to be a bit of a photo overload, but I was really excited to capture the renovations recently finished at the Central Branch of the Hamilton Public Library. I love (love love love) Hamilton, but there are a lot of areas within their public services that could use a little improvement, to say the least. However, I can't think of one bad thing to say about the library system of Hamilton. It's practically perfect. Good on you, guys.

I have eagerly been anticipating the renovations of the library, as they've been going on for as long as I've been living in the north end. When they had their soft launch just before Christmas, I rushed over. I knew then that I had to bring my camera back for round two.

Central Library was the only library I visited as a child, taking the HSR downtown with my grandparents all so that my blind grandmother could take advantage of their large audiobook selection. As a child, I always looked forward to the trips because the library was just so monstrous, and I was a book-loving kid. I remember being in absolute awe of a building that had five floors of books. But I also vaguely remember it as stuffy, and dark, and not very welcoming. Hamilton had a major love affair with brutalist architecture in the 70-80's, and a number of our more significant buildings, such as the library, are defined by hard lines, cold spaces and concrete, concrete, concrete.

Walking into the new space, I can't even remember what the library used to look like. The architects at David Premi Architects Inc. work so flawlessly with the existing modern design, instead of fighting against it. Incorporating lots of natural light sources, bold colour schemes and sleek furniture choices, the once bleak concrete is transformed into a truly tranquil space. For full effect, make sure you go in through the front doors on York Blvd, rather than through the mall, to check out the incredible vertical garden in the light-filled lobby.



Not only has the appearance been made over, but the library has also undergone some major technical upgrades. Jane gave it the loving nickname of "SPACE LIBRARY" after visiting for herself. Tons of new computers (which were all in use when I stopped by), new digital catalogue stations, ceiling mounted projectors for community classes, LCD screens projecting art, outlets all over the place for your own laptop, and self-checkout and return technology. They've also expanded their catalogue to include Playstation, Wii and Xbox games, as well as Playaway audiobooks, which are preloaded digital audio players. The future is now!

I especially like watching all the returns go down the conveyor belt into the basement. Even if the machines do give me a slight HAL vibe.



On top of everything else done right, there was huge consideration put into the childrens section. Work tables and play tables and computers designed for youngsters and fish tanks containing fish from every continent and educational toys and whimsical artwork and tiny shelves full of tiny books for tiny people. It practically screams "Kids! You will learn and discover new things here! And you will love every minute of it!"

This is exactly what a public space should be. Inviting, bright, open, multi-functional, relaxed. A place for people to meet and learn and share and communicate. A place for children to be enlightened and to engage. A place that betters our community. Dang Hamilton, you're gonna make me all weepy with this one.



The best part is that the library is only half of this major renovation. Opening on January 21st is the new Farmers Market, right next door. They'll be connected, and a full length window actually runs along one side of the library, looking down into the market. And things are looking good.

The library hopes to have a grand opening function the night of February's Art Crawl. But you certainly don't have to wait until then to check it out. The library is open Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Get acquainted with this downtown building again. You'll be happy you did.