What do Village Square Library and Leonard Cohen have in common?

Did you know that this esteemed Canadian icon gave a reading here in 1984 for National Book Fest? Staff members who were at the reading still recall swooning during and trying to find excuses to get near the great Man in Black.

The branch has been home to many interesting people and programs over the years. Renovated in 1993 and with books in over 20 languages, this busy branch in the Village Square Leisure Centre continues to be a hub of a diverse community. Students from the nearby Lester Pearson High School take full advantage of the proximity of the branch to research, study and meet with friends. Innovative programs and outreach are a Village Square specialty, as seen by the recent teen program Prom Dress Extravaganza. Donated dresses and volunteer designers were on hand to help those who may not have had the chance to attend the prom with the dress of their dreams. Girls gained self esteem by making them princesses for the evening.

Another renovation in 2005, with the grand re-opening in 2006 keeps this branch changing, along with its community. Don’t forget to check out more pictures of the branch over the years in the Calgary Public Library Archives.

Leonard Cohen, 1984