Old Strathcona Branch (Edmonton Public Library) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Strathcona Branch |
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| Established | 1913 |
| Location | 8331 104 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E 4E9 |
| Coordinates | 53°31′12″N 113°29′51″W / 53.5199°N 113.4976°W |
| Branch of | Edmonton Public Library |
| Website | http://www.epl.ca/about-epl/branches-and-hours/strathcona-branch |
The Old Strathcona Branch is a very old and important library in Edmonton, Alberta. It was finished in 1913. This library was the first one built in the city of Edmonton. It has a rich history as part of the Edmonton Public Library system.
You can find it on 104th Street, close to Whyte Avenue. It is right in the middle of Old Strathcona. The library is next to Wilbert McIntyre Park and the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market. It's a popular meeting spot for people in the area. During the yearly Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the library often has a big book sale. This helps them find new homes for older books.
Contents
History of the Old Strathcona Library
In 1897, a group called the Strathcona Library Society was formed. Their goal was to build a public library in the young city of Strathcona. By 1910, citizens asked the city council to build the library. The city quickly bought land for $6,250 from a local farmer. They also created the Strathcona Library Board.
A rich American named Andrew Carnegie offered $15,000 to build a small library. However, the board felt this was not enough for the library they wanted. So, they said no to his offer. The money for the new library was later paid for when Strathcona joined Edmonton in 1912.
Building and Early Years
Construction of the library began in 1912. The new library officially opened on March 13, 1913. The mayors of both Strathcona and Edmonton were there. The library cost about $27,000 to build. It was very popular when it opened. Many people borrowed books, which was impressive for Edmonton's size back then.
In 1948, the library had its first small update. A room in the basement that was only for men became a children's library. This made it more welcoming for young readers.
Challenges and Comeback
After World War II, fewer people used the library. Edmonton grew quickly, and Old Strathcona started to look run down. In 1967, a much bigger library, the Stanley A. Milner Library, opened downtown. This made the Old Strathcona Branch even less popular. By the late 1960s, the old building needed a lot of expensive repairs.
In 1970, the head of the Edmonton Public Library tried to close the branch. But people in the community fought against it, and the library stayed open. However, the building was in bad shape. The second floor could not hold the weight of many books. So, the library had fewer books and shorter hours.
The early 1970s brought new life to the Old Strathcona Branch. Plans for new highways threatened to destroy historic parts of Old Strathcona. This made people want to save and restore old buildings. Old Strathcona became a popular area for arts and fun. This new interest helped the library a lot.
In 1976, the building was named a Registered Historic Resource of Alberta. This meant it was an important historical site. From 1984 to 1985, the library had a big $250,000 restoration. This money came from selling an old downtown library building.
Modern Era and Expansions
Since the mid-1980s, the Old Strathcona Branch has become one of the busiest libraries again. It is a key part of the Old Strathcona community. In 2004, the City of Edmonton also named it a Municipal Historic Resource.
From 2005 to 2006, the library closed for another major restoration and expansion. They added a large semi-circular section to the building. This addition included modern features like handicap access. It also added new heating and cooling systems. The renovation almost doubled the library's original size. Even with these changes, they were careful to keep the building's original historical look.
In 2013, the Edmonton Public Library system celebrated 100 years. Today, the library system has millions of physical and digital items. It also hosts thousands of free events every year.
Architecture and Design
The original library building was designed by Arthur G. Wilson and David E. Herrald. They were local architects, but their design looked a lot like buildings from Britain. It uses a simpler version of the English Renaissance Revival Style. This style was common for buildings in countries like Canada during the Edwardian age.
The building looks grand with its tall columns and stone decorations outside. Inside, there is detailed carved wood. But the design is simpler than older buildings from the Victorian era. You can see a similar style in other nearby buildings, like Old Scona Academic High School.
Schools Served by the Library
The Old Strathcona Branch helps many nearby schools as part of the Edmonton Public Library system. These schools include:
- Academy at King Edward
- Belgravia Elementary School
- École Joseph-Moreau
- Garneau Elementary School
- J.H. Picard Elementary/Junior/High School
- King Edward Elementary School
- McKernan Elementary/Junior High School
- Mill Creek Elementary School
- Old Scona Academic High School
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- Queen Alexandra Elementary School
- Strathcona Composite High School
- Windsor Park Elementary School
The Old Strathcona Branch is also the closest library to the University of Alberta. However, many university students use the central Stanley A. Milner Library. This is because there is a fast train, the LRT, that goes directly from the university to downtown.
