Calgary’s oldest library is hidden downtown & it’s a work of art

We don’t have a lot of old buildings in Canada. So when we find one, you best believe we won’t stop talking about it! For book lovers and anyone who appreciates old architecture, there’s a gem of a library nestled in downtown Calgary. In fact, it’s the city’s first and oldest library at over 110 years old!

Calgary’s First Library

Despite the ravages of time, she looks pretty good for her age. Sitting at the end of Calgary’s oldest park, Memorial Park Library is both a piece of history and an active branch of the Calgary Public Library.

Originally built in 1912, this was Alberta’s first major public library, championed by Annie Davidson and the Calgary Women’s Literary Club. The project was one of the over 150 libraries built in Canada with funds from the American millionaire Andrew Carnegie. While he was considered the world’s wealthiest man at the time, he had limited formal schooling. So building and funding libraries became the focus of his philanthropy. Carnegie believed in the need for freely accessible learning for all, so we have him to thank for this local gem.

If you’ve ever taken a stroll through the adjacent Central Memorial Park, you’ll have noticed the library’s richly decorated facade. The carving of an open book above the main doors was made by local stonemasons all the way back in the 1900s. The beautiful architecture is a great representation of Edwardian Classicism. A pre-First World War architectural style related to the French Beaux-Arts style, hence the building’s many embellishments.

Memorial Park Library was named a provincial historic site in 1976, and the library and surrounding park were designated a National Historic Site in 2018. In 2020, the location underwent renovations to restore the interior décor to more closely resemble what it looked like on opening day over 110 years ago.

Today, it remains one of Calgary’s most cherished landmarks and is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

The Library Today

Beyond being a sight for sore eyes, Memorial Park Library is a great place to find your next read. The bright and inviting interior has all the necessities, like free Wi-Fi, a children’s area, study spaces, and even a musical instrument lending library.

Bring your library card and stop by. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier place to spend the afternoon!

Memorial Park Library, Calgary

Where: 1221 2 Street SW, Calgary

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