Strathcona Library: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:23, 20 November 2010

Revision as of 16:23, 21 November 2010

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Construction began in 1912, and the new library was opened on March 13, 1913 by ex-Strathcona Mayor John Joseph Duggan and Edmonton Mayor William Short. Final cost of the library was approximately $27,000. The library was popular upon opening, and boasted an impressive circulation for the size of Edmonton at the time. The first minor renovation was completed in 1948, which converted the original men's-only reading room in the basement into a children's library.<ref name="Herzog" />

The post-WWII years, however, saw a sharp decline in usage as Edmonton rapidly expanded outward in the post-war boom, and [[Old Strathcona]] began to fall into disrepair and decline. The completion of the much larger and more modern [[Stanley A. Milner Library|Stanley A. Milner central library]] downtown in 1967 further perpetuated this decline. By the late 1960s, the aging and poorly- maintained building began to require significant upkeep costs. The director of Edmonton Public Library attempted to close the branch in 1970. Although the closure was defeated by public opposition, the structural decline of the building meant the second floor could no longer support the weight of books, and the branch's collection and hours of operation were severely cut.

The early 1970s, however, saw a resurgence of support for the Old Strathcona Branch. Proposed south-side to downtown freeways threatened to destroy the remaining historic elements of Old Strathcona around Whyte Avenue. This lead to a new interest in historic preservation and restoration, and the rebirth of Old Strathcona as a trendy arts and nightlife district. This resurgence brought great support for the library, and in 1976 the building was declared a Registered Historic Resource of Alberta by the provincial Minister of Culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hermis.alberta.ca/ARHP/Details.aspx?DeptID=1&ObjectID=4665-0678|title=Alberta Register of Historic Places|publisher=Heritage Resources Management Information System|accessdate=19 November 2010}}</ref> From 1984 to 1985 the library received a $250,000 restoration, undertaken by R.R. Roberts Architects, and paid for by the sale of the original downtown library building in the late 1960s when it was demolished to build the [[Alberta Government Telephones]] Tower (today [[Telus Plaza]]).<ref name="Herzog" />