Strathcona Library: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:36, 7 March 2013

Revision as of 01:24, 9 April 2013

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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 led 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" />

Since the mid -1980s, the branch has again become one of Edmonton Public Library's busiest, and is often seen as a community focal point for Old Strathcona. In 2004, the City of Edmonton named the building a Municipal Historic Resource, and from 2005 to 2006 the library was closed for another extensive restoration and expansion. This expansion added a large semi-circular addition, modern facilities to provide handicap accessibility, modern and efficient mechanical systems, and nearly doubled the library's original size. The renovation, however, was careful to maintain the building's original historical elements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epl.ca/edmonton-history/90-years-of-photos-strathcona|title=Strathcona – 1913|publisher=Edmonton Public Library|accessdate=19 November 2010}}</ref> The Old Strathcona branch of the Edmonton Public Library as well as the overall Edmonton Public Library system of branches is celebrating a milestone of 100 years in 2013. <ref>Edmonton Public Library 100 years.</ref>

[http://www.epl.ca/100 www.epl.ca/100] The library system now has 3 million physical and digital items in its vast collection as well as 12,000 free events each year.<ref>Edmonton public Library</ref>