Saskatoon’s latest designs for the central library show an exterior inspired by the teepee and Métis log house and an interior featuring exposed cross laminated timber.

“We really wanted that kind of idea of animating what the library is, as the living room of the city, and being a welcoming and inclusive environment for everybody,” said Alfred Waugh of Formline Architecture, one of the lead architects on the project, along with Stephan Chevalier of Chevalier Morales Architectes.

“So no matter who you are, whether you’re in a wheelchair, whether you’re Indigenous, Métis or elderly, it’s the place you want to go to.”

The $134 million library will be located on Second Avenue between 24 and 25th streets.

It features four floors that are interconnected to give a cascading feel to it while offering plenty of natural light.

The first floor features an auditorium, cafe and community kitchen. The second floor is devoted to children and teens along with an innovation lab. 

The third floor is for non-fiction, a Knowledge Keeper in Residence and a study room. The fourth floor offers fiction, a reading room, gallery, local history and a storytelling and learning circle.

Waugh said they want “to create a building that respects the culture of Saskatoon as well as respecting Indigenous and Métis culture.”

Saskatoon Public Library CEO Carol Cooley said the design welcomes everyone.

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