Ottawa Public Library, Central Branch

  • Looking south along Metcalfe Street wih library in context

    Looking south along Metcalfe Street wih library in context

  • Library at corner of Laurier Avenue and Metcalfe Street

    Library at corner of Laurier Avenue and Metcalfe Street

  • Looking east along Laurier Avenue with library in context

    Looking east along Laurier Avenue with library in context

  • Looking up west elevation of Sir Richard Scott Building

    Looking up west elevation of Sir Richard Scott Building

  • Detail of precast concrete panel

    Detail of precast concrete panel

  • Street edge along Laurier Avenue looking west

    Street edge along Laurier Avenue looking west

  • Artistic element integrated into Laurier Avenue elevation

    Artistic element integrated into Laurier Avenue elevation

  • Pebble aggregate base distinct from adjacent sidewalk

    Pebble aggregate base distinct from adjacent sidewalk

  • Inside the entry vestibule looking up towards the original diagonally-placed entry

    Inside the entry vestibule looking up towards the original diagonally-placed entry

  • Detail of the Art Price mixed media installation directly above the original entrance set on a diagonal axis

    Detail of the Art Price mixed media installation directly above the original entrance set on a diagonal axis

  • The atrium from the stair highlighting a stained glass window retained from the previous Carnegie Library

    The atrium from the stair highlighting a stained glass window retained from the previous Carnegie Library

  • Detail of the central stair in the atrium, highlighting the Gerald Trottier mosaic

    Detail of the central stair in the atrium, highlighting the Gerald Trottier mosaic

  • Marble marker retained from the earlier Carnegie library

    Marble marker retained from the earlier Carnegie library

  • Detail of one of the atrium skylights, highlighting the texture of the concrete in this area

    Detail of one of the atrium skylights, highlighting the texture of the concrete in this area

  • Typical stacks, level 3

    Typical stacks, level 3

Address
120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON
Region
Type
Designer
Year(s)
1974

The Central Branch of the Ottawa Public Library is the largest in the 33-branch system, and acts as the main branch for the city. The library is housed in a massive concrete structure on the corner of Metcalfe St. and Laurier Ave. The heavy design of the building is not unlike other libraries in the OPL system, with several other branches constructed during the same timeframe.

The new ?dis?ke library which will be opened in 2026 in Lebreton Flats will replace the current library as the city’s Central Branch.

Featured In
Modern Tour
 Downtown Ottawa East
Related Resources

City of Ottawa:  Main Library fact sheet