Toronto Reference Library Renewal:

The Toronto Reference Library has continued to win rave reviews from its visitors. But severe budget cutbacks have left the building looking tired and dated. This extensive interior renovation will regain the original excitement that had people lining up even on Sundays to enjoy the Library's extensive collections.

The Library's main entrance is being transformed with electronic animation into a light-filled beacon to make it a vital part of Yonge Street. A coffee shop with an outdoor terrace, gift shop, and reading lounge located at the entrance and along Yonge Street will animate the Library's public face and entice browsers. The entire ground level of the Library will be opened to view from the main entrance.

A major issue facing all libraries today is how to attract and serve people who are used to obtaining information electronically rather than in print form. Working together with the Library's administrators and librarians, we sought to achieve a balance between computers and books. At the centre of the entrance level is a Computer Centre, where bold graphics draw people to a series of stepped platforms with 140 computers available for public use and internet access. However, books are still available. At the north-west corner of the space, a comfortable lounge area encourages patrons to browse through books on open shelves.

An Adaptive Technology Centre will serve patrons with special needs, integrating them into the main space so that they are part of the general activity. Also at the main level is a large multi-purpose space with a stage.

Because the Toronto Reference Library is a longtime client, we understand its needs and are able to communicate well with its committees. But new visual tools, including animated three-dimensional images, are helping to generate excitement and acceptance for our design ideas.