Final design of new Saskatoon central library unveiled

Saskatoon residents are getting a look at what the city's new central library will look like.

The library's final design was unveiled on Tuesday after almost four years of planning and consultation. 

"The design celebrates Saskatoon, its people and its history, affirming a time-honoured commitment to inspiring lifelong learning and creating community connections," said Carol Cooley, CEO of Saskatoon Public Library, in a news release.

The $134 million four-level library will be located on Second Avenue between 24th Street and 25th Street.

The exterior of the library will be themed after a teepee and will have transparent, translucent and opaque glass panels.

The inside of the library will have an exposed wood structure.

"The library's interior references the Métis log home design using an exposed mass timber structure with an open floor plan that reflects traditional values of communalism and social connection," the library's website states.

The main level will include casual reading chairs, laptop bars and tables that look out onto green space.

On the second floor, there will be a children's play space, as well as a "teen area."

The third floor features a quiet study space, while the fourth floor will have a gallery that will showcase "the work of new and emerging local artists," according to the Saskatoon Public Library.

On the fourth floor there will also be a storytelling circle that accommodates smudging. It was designed in consultation with knowledge keepers, the library said. 

Other library features will include a theatre, a community programming room and an innovation lab, according to the library. 

Construction is set to begin next spring and the library is expected to be open in 2026.