Just west of the Kipling and Albion intersection in north Etobicoke, a longstanding community institution is getting a much-needed remake. Immediately adjacent to the 1973-built Albion District Library of the Toronto Public Library system, a surface parking lot is being transformed into a new 29,000 ft2 replacement for the facility, allowing the existing to library to remain open to serve its community while the new building is constructed next door. 

Cladding being installed at the Albion District Library, image by Forum contributor PMT

Construction of the new Perkins+Will-designed facility reached structural completion earlier this summer, and most recently, elements of the colourful cladding were spotted being installed along the exterior.

View of the Albion District Library, image by Forum contributor PMT

The new building's colourful cladding is in stark contrast to the existing library's austere exterior, while the interior will feature natural wood finishes, giving the library a striking presence inside as well.

The existing library building, image retrieved from Google Street View

In addition to the aesthetic improvements the new structure will bring, services provided within the library are also being upgraded. The new facility will include spaces like a children's area and 'KidsStop Early Literacy Centre', a computer learning centre, and a digital innovation and maker space offering a 3D printer and 'Urban Living Room'.

Glazing and wood finishes at the Albion District Library, image by Forum contributor PMT

The new building's sloped massing references the existing library structure, while supporting a sloping green roof that directs overflow rainwater into adjacent courtyards. 

Albion District Library, image courtesy of TPL

Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by Fall 2017. Following the completion of the new library, the existing building will be demolished, to be replaced with a multi-use paved surface, serving as a parking lot during business hours, and as as a programmable community event space for public gatherings at other times.

We will be back for a look when the new library opens, but in the meanwhile, additional information and renderings can be found in the project's dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.