The Central Branch at Ādisōke!

2022
Milestones
- Foundation set
- Underground parking started
2023
Milestones
- Foundation completed
- Underground parking completed
- Building shell starts going up
- Ādisōke branding unveil
2024
Milestones
- Iconic wood roof completed
- Engagement on services at the Central branch
- Ādisōke programs for the public
2025
Milestones
- Getting the inside ready (furniture & equipment)
- Ādisōke programs for the public
2026

Milestones

Grand opening!

Welcome to the Central branch at Ādisōke! Our new, accessible, spectacular joint facility with Library and Archives Canada (LAC), is set to open in 2026. Central libraries are transformational social infrastructure projects that build, strengthen, enrich communities and bring people together.

With a central location on the historic LeBreton Flats, our Central branch at Ādisōke will provide access to:

the latest creative technologies
beautiful spaces to work and study
high-quality literacy programs
events with local and national artists
exceptional collections.

The participation of the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, the urban Indigenous communities, library employees, library clients, and Ottawa residents have been essential to the process of designing a public library that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming.

Every floor and area at Ādisōke is designed to inspire, to spark curiosity, to promote exploration.

First Floor
arrive, gather, connect

Step into the breathtaking Ādisōke!

Take in the interior and exterior views of the new world-class Ottawa Central Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility!

Here you will find:

1. Express Library and Central Branch Entrance

This lively area with a casual bookstore feel and floor-to-ceiling green wall is where you will enter the central branch, and find items on hold, member services, quick information, express collections

2. Exhibition Gallery

The museum-quality exhibition gallery will showcase the heritage and culture of Canada and its capital, and feature rare items from Library and Archives Canada, artwork, and artefacts from Ottawa Public Library, and the Ottawa community.

3. Gift Shop

Ādisōke's gift shop will feature a wide variety of local and handmade merchandize that celebrate Ottawa culture and makers as well as library specific souvenirs and gifts.

4. Central Gathering Space

The open atrium with beautiful light and visibility into the building’s spaces will act as a large community living room, and a casual space for people to chat with friends, lounge and read.

5. Black Box Theatre

This smaller flat-floor space with configurable seating and lighting is the perfect place to put on or watch performances.

6. Auditorium

This room, which holds around 270 people, will have retractable seating to act as an auditorium for hosting speakers, authors, performers, etc., or as an event space for workshops, and more.

7. Café

Enjoy a hot, caffeinated beverage of your choice at Ādisōke's café.

8. Entrance - Outdoor Amphitheatre and Pimisi O-Train Station

9. Entrance - North Terrace

10. Entrance - Albert Street - East

11. Entrance - Albert Street - West

12. Library and Archives Canada (LAC)

Second Floor
play, learn, celebrate diversity

On this floor, the children will play, the Indigenous community will gather and share knowledge, and visitors will connect with their city and roots.

Here you will find:

1. Community Services

This space includes world languages, literacy and language learning collections, audio-visual collections, accessible formats. There is a prayer/meditation room, meeting rooms of various sizes, and a peaceful exterior seating space to enjoy.

2. Circular Lodge

Developed in collaboration with the Elders and members of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, this Indigenous Space will showcase Indigenous culture, languages and knowledge and become a place for Indigenous gathering and cross-cultural sharing for the community.

3. Living Ottawa

Learn about Ottawa’s past, present and future in this area where historical materials are preserved, and current events are celebrated as the history of tomorrow

4. Genealogy Centre

A must stop for all people interested in genealogy research! This world-class research centre at the heart of the facility brings together LAC and OPL’s extensive genealogical collections.

5. Children’s Discovery Centre

This vibrant and playful centre includes play and discovery areas, creation and early literacy centres, research computer stations, ample seating, a multipurpose room for education programs, the Children’s Wigwam Room for Storytime, and a Sensory Room for children and families with special needs.

View of entrance to third floor, service touch point

Third Floor
relax, create, innovate

This is a space where people of all ages can innovate and create, and where teens can have their space to explore ideas, and learn together.

Here you will find:

1. Teen Centre

A space for youth to explore ideas, unlock their creativity and discover their independence and autonomy. It will include maker spaces, and areas for performances, group gatherings and quiet study.

2. Creative Centre

People of all ages and in all stages of life can visit this state-of-the-art makerspace and use innovative digital and analogue tools to create and learn.

3. Library and Archives Canada (LAC)

Fourth floor
research, consult, collaborate

On this floor, members of the community and partner organizations will find the tools and spaces they need to find a job, access a service, or start a business.

Here you will find:

1. Outreach Offices

Community partners working to make Ottawa a safer, healthier city will have space to work and provide important services to those in need.

2. Adult Non-Fiction

Browse the OPL’s extensive collection non-fiction works, and relax on a comfortable chair to read or take in the view.

3. Computer Laboratory

Need to brush up on some computer skills? Here’s a space where you can take a free class and improve your digital literacy.

4. Music Instrument Library and Rehearsal Room

Unlock your musical potential by borrowing guitars, percussion, strings, and keyboards. Try the instrument out or do a virtual lesson in the Rehearsal Room around the corner.

5. Business Centre

A co-working space for entrepreneurs, students, and remote workers. Use this space to hold virtual or in-person meetings, to do some focused work, or to use office equipment—or attend a program on how to launch your new venture.