We're Renovating to Serve You Better!

In order to provide you with the best possible customer experience, Fish Creek Library began renovations April 1.

• Fish Creek Library will be open during construction.
• Some programming will occur off-site. Check back here or talk to staff for more details.
• We're anticipating the construction to last from April to December 2013.

For additional details and construction updates, please visit this page, read the FAQs or speak to Fish Creek Library staff.

We are committed to minimizing your inconvenience during this time. Thank you for your patience!

Updates from Donna Bedry, Fish Creek Library Manager:

View of the 3rd floor scaffolding used to access the ceiling and remove the acoustic insulation, and install new lights and new acoustic panels. Fun Fact: PCL has installed more than 50,000 linear ft of scaffold tubing at Fish Creek Library – enough to span over 167 football fields!

Customers will be happy to know that we are returning all Fish Creek's magazines to the branch. We had sent many of them off to storage because of a lack of space. We heard from many customers how much they missed their favourite magazine, so we've found a way to make room for them all back on our shelves.

We are now six weeks into renovations and things are still progressing on schedule.

The contractor has begun the task of replacing the exterior of the roof; it’s just the outside layer of the roof being replaced so, of course, all our materials will remain cool and dry and accessible inside the building. It was pretty interesting watching the enormous crane (with the little tiny bucket) swinging over the Library's peak recently. And they're hard at work inside, too: remediating the ceiling, moving walls, building larger, more accessible washrooms and a new public program room on the main floor. There's still lots more to do, but I think the've done a great job of keeping our library accessible during the construction.

Although we are operating in less than 1/3 of the space that we usually occupy, customers will continue to find that all children’s materials are still available on the second floor, as is a very good selection of all types of adult materials. Remember, if there’s something that you can’t find on the second floor, please just ask and staff will be happy to retrieve materials from the first floor, if possible. And really I do mean they’ll be happy . . . most Fish Creek staff members are participating in a library-wide fitness challenge to see who can log the most steps in a day. All that running up and down the stairs not only gets you, the customer, the materials you need and is good for us -- it’s adding to our step count!

Please do let me know if you have any comments or concerns during the renovation. And once again, thank you for your continued patience as we renovate to bring you a better branch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you doing renovations to Fish Creek Library?

Fish Creek Library was built in the early 1980s and opened to the public in 1985. While we upgrade the roof, we'll be working to create a more environmentally sustainable and energy efficient, open, and brighter library with more accessible, intuitive spaces to serve our customers.

How did you pick the contractor for the renovations?

As with all of our construction projects, the Calgary Public Library tendered this renovation project through a Request for Proposal in accordance with the Calgary Public Library’s purchasing policies. Based upon the requirements and the evaluation of the companies submitting proposals to do the renovations, PCL was chosen to do the project.

Will the Library be open during the renovations?

Yes, we anticipate the Library will be open, except for a brief, complete closure on April 3, 4 and 5. The outside book return chutes will remain open.

Will Fish Creek Library close any other time during the renovation?

If the library is going to close at any time once renovations begin, we will have signs at Fish Creek Library, and we will update this page.

What hours will Fish Creek Library be open during the renovations?

Fish Creek Library’s hours will remain unchanged:

Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday*: Noon – 5 pm

*Closed Sundays during the summer. The last open Sunday is May 12 and the first open Sunday is September 8, 2013.

**We will be closed April 3, 4 and 5 as part of the renovation process.

How long do you expect the renovations to last?

We expect the renovations to last at least until the end of 2013. As with all construction, there can be unexpected delays due to conditions beyond our control.

Is construction for the renovations going to occur when the branch is open?

Yes, renovations will occur when the branch is open. The areas where the construction is occurring will be cordoned off to ensure the safety of our customers and our staff. We will be continually evaluating the safety of the Library during the renovations to ensure that it remains a safe environment. If at any time, we deemed it not safe, we would make the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of all, or we would close the Library.

Will the sound from the construction be a problem for people using the Library?

Naturally some noise is anticipated during renovation and construction projects. Everyone will have to determine individually whether the level of noise poses an issue.

How can I stay informed and updated about the renovations at Fish Creek Library?

Check back here for updates to our renovation project. We will also post signs both inside and outside the library.

If I have any questions or concerns during the renovations – who should I talk to at the library?

If you have any concerns at any time during the renovations, you should talk to Branch Manager, Donna Bedry, and, if she is not available, then you will be directed to one of our librarians or senior staff members.

Will there still be parking available in the lot when the construction is going on?

Yes, PCL is only cordoning off a portion of the parking lot for their trailers and supplies. The parking lot will remain available for customers to use.

Will I still be able to borrow library materials and return them to this branch during the renovations?

Yes. We are open during the renovations to provide services and programs to our valued customers. Some library materials will remain in areas inaccessible to the public, however library staff will be able to retrieve those materials for you. Exterior book returns will remain open at all times, even during the closure on April 3, 4, and 5. Our E-Library also offers an extensive digital collection.

Will there still be programs offered at Fish Creek during the renovation period?

Yes. We will still provide many of our usual programs, but with a reduction in adult programs and possible off-site locations for some programs.

How will I know which programs are being offered during the renovation period and where?

Program information is available by asking staff, reading in-branch notices, program guides, our website or by calling 403-260-2600.

Do the other library branch locations offer the same programs?

Yes, many of the other library branch locations offer the same programs. We encourage you to check out our website for any particular library branch that you may be interested in visiting, to find out the dates, times and types of programs being offered.

What are the closest branches to Fish Creek Library?

We have 17 other library locations. The library locations that are closest to the Fish Creek Library are:

Southwood Library (924 Southland Drive SW)

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday*: Noon – 5 pm

*Closed Sundays during the summer. The last open Sunday is May 12 and the first open Sunday is September 8, 2013.

Glenmore Square Library (7740 18th Street SE in the Glenmore Square Shopping Center)

Hours of Operation:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 am – 9 pm
Wednesday: 1 pm – 9 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday*: Noon – 5 pm

*Closed Sundays during the summer. The last open Sunday is May 12 and the first open Sunday is September 8, 2013.

Shawnessy Library (333 Shawville Blvd. SE in the South Fish Creek Complex)

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday*: Noon – 5 pm

*Closed Sundays during the summer. The last open Sunday is May 12 and the first open Sunday is September 8, 2013.