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It’s finally here.

Today is the day we reveal the architectural design for the new Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility. Today is a day of celebration for Ottawa Public Library, and an opportunity to thank those who are truly responsible for this major milestone: the thousands of library customers, Ottawa residents and Indigenous representatives from the Algonquin host nation who have come together to engage with us on the design of this facility, inside and out.

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We thank each and every one of you.

Over the past six years, more than 7,000 people have joined us at workshops and online to help define what this new central library should be. You told us what spaces you wanted us to include, which services you needed, and what types of programs you wanted to attend. The level of engagement we have seen in this facility is a testament to the importance of public libraries. Many of you attended more than one design session. Your passion confirmed what we already knew – that libraries are the heart and soul of our community.