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Michael Brown, president and CEO for the Calgary Municipal Land Corp., which spearheaded the downtown library project, hopes the range of offerings and diverse collections brings in people from all walks of life.

“There is nothing more democratic than a public library,” he said. “It is free. There is nothing like it. And it is open to everyone — everyone is welcome.”

As part of the ongoing revitalization of East Village, Brown hopes the new Central Library will not only offer another important amenity to the growing, diverse community but it will teach library users important lessons about diversity and acceptance.

“We know there is a Drop-In Centre nearby, a Salvation Army, and several seniors centres too,” Brown said.

“But we also know, and hope, people will learn when they come here, especially children and young people, is that there is a big difference between a homeless person and a criminal.

“And if they see homeless people here, reading, using computers, maybe looking for jobs, then that’s great.

“It’s important that the library can teach us that, and help us understand that the world is complex.”

Photo by Leah Hennel/Postmedia

Mary Kapusta, director of communications and marketing for Calgary Public Library, stressed that the building will have security staff and a code of conduct, ensuring people from all parts of the downtown, East Village and outer-lying communities feel welcome and safe.

“Our role is to serve the public, to be here as a destination that is safe and truly barrier-free.”

Programs for new Canadians and members of at-risk communities will also be a big part of the new Central Library services, she added.

Library staff and volunteers will work one-on-one with people to advance English language skills, including reading, writing, grammar, conversation and job search skills.

Youth can come in for homework support in literacy, math and music, while mini-libraries will also be set up to go out into the community, to seniors centres and long-term care facilities.