Ādisōke, the new home of Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, is aiming to be one of the most accessible buildings in Canada’s capital.Supplied/Diamond Schmitt
For centuries, libraries have been more than just places to borrow books – they are pillars of community, hubs of learning and anchors of culture. They stand as symbols of what a society values and are essential public spaces where people can connect, learn and grow.
Ādisōke, the future home of the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada, is set to carry this legacy forward in a bold new way. Slated to open in 2026, this stunning five-storey structure draws inspiration from the natural world and is poised to redefine what a modern library can be.
“To see what societies value, look at their libraries,” says Mary Rowe, president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, a national organization dedicated to city building. “Libraries are anchors of civic infrastructure … So, why aren’t we seeing more investment from the federal government for this kind of fundamental infrastructure?”
Canada’s 652 library systems and 3,350 branches welcome more than 100 million visitors annually, according to a recent Canadian Urban Institute report. Libraries also provide critical support services, such as job-seeking advice for more than 204,000 Canadians, solidifying their role as essential public institutions. These amenities are especially important for new immigrants who need guidance and resources to adapt to Canadian society and culture.
Not your grandmother’s library
This modern take on libraries isn’t just about books. Ādisōke (pronounced AW-de-SO-keh) translates to “storytelling” in the Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. The new library is a shining example of what a city’s core infrastructure looks like in the 21st century, embracing both literacy and lifelong learning.
The five-storey library offers a variety of community resources and programs, allowing patrons to learn a new skill, borrow an instrument or record a podcast.Supplied/DiamondSchmidt
Like many libraries across Canada, Ādisōke is focused on accessibility, eliminating overdue fees on print and audio books. For non-bibliophiles, there’s a variety of other resources to choose from, too – whether it’s accessing the library’s free WiFi, recording a podcast, borrowing an instrument or learning a new skill. Community members can also participate in multicultural programs, such as drag queen storytime or Diwali celebrations.
Embracing design dynamism
The design of Ādisōke is as strategic as it is mesmerizing, complete with a skylit town hall, a multi-purpose auditorium, an intimate “black box theatre,” a children’s area to read and create, spaces for Indigenous communities, a genealogy centre to research your family history, maker spaces and a café.
Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and Ottawa-based KWC Architects, Ādisōke – set to cost $334-million, with funding coming from both municipal and federal sources – is on track to open mid-2026 and to serve more than 1.5 million people annually.
“[Ādisōke] is trying to accommodate and speak to the needs, desires and ambitions of the whole community, from cradle to grave,” says Ralph Wiesbrock, senior architect at KWC Architects. “Our job, as designers, was to synthesize those needs into an architectural form.”
Before the library’s groundbreaking in 2021, more than 7,000 individuals were engaged and consulted with to determine how to build and design Ādisōke. “All the stakeholder communities are proud to see their input reflected in the design,” says Mr. Wiesbrock. “From these consultations came ideas of water, the escarpment and the forests, all of which are infused in the final aesthetic.”
Ādisōke’s goal is to be one of the most accessible buildings in Canada’s National Capital through the construction of multiple entrances and glass elevators, as well as the installation of all-gender washrooms, sensory rooms and interior ramps.
Modern palaces for the people
Like Ādisōke, Canada’s modern libraries are national assets, offering more than just books – they are community hubs and inclusive spaces that play a crucial role in connecting communities.
Like other new libraries across Canada, Ādisōke is embracing modern architecture and sustainable design.Supplied/Diamond Schmitt
Outside and inside, many of the newest libraries across Canada are idyllic sites of modern architecture and sustainable and creative urban design. These libraries are no longer sterile or cookie-cutter; they are innovative hubs and anchor community structures.
For example, Halifax Central Library features a rooftop patio and is nicknamed the “living room,” while Vancouver Public Library resembles a modern-day Colosseum and Calgary’s Central Library allows patrons to borrow iPads for use. All these symbolize libraries as core community resources and central spaces for learning, gathering and culture.
Location, location, location
Ādisōke is in a part of Ottawa that’s steeped with history, located at 555 Albert St. on the edge of LeBreton Flats. It’s the first major building in the area that is expected to drive the neighbourhood’s transformation and urban renewal in the decades to come.
Following the lead of a new Kitchener Public Library branch, Ādisōke is set to meet the standards for a net-zero carbon building through its use of natural materials such as reclaimed wood, triple-glazed windows and solar cells on rooftop panels. It’s also easily accessible via public transit, bike paths and walking trails.
Every week, Ādisōke hits another milestone, and Mr. Wiesbrock says the finish line is in sight. When this modern library opens in less than two years, he knows it will be a joyful day.
“I’m really looking forward to the opening day and seeing a lot of smiles on people’s faces,” he says.
October is Canadian Library month.