Strathcona Library, Edmonton

The Strathcona Library has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Initial plans for a public library were set in motion as early as 1907, but the realization of these plans faced several delays. The newly incorporated city of Strathcona was initially preoccupied with the construction of a new city hall and market, which postponed the library project. Subsequently, a Carnegie grant was offered to fund the library; however, the city turned it down because the amount did not meet the ambitious scale of the proposed building. It wasn't until the 1913 amalgamation of Edmonton and Strathcona that the library finally became a reality.

The design of the Strathcona Public Library is emblematic of early 20th-century educational architecture in Western Canada. The building is primarily constructed of brick, adorned with limestone detailing that adds a touch of classical elegance in a restrained manner. One of the most striking design features is the use of string courses, which articulate the floor levels and windows, imparting a horizontal emphasis to the otherwise tall and narrow structure. The library鈥檚 design cleverly balances verticality with horizontal elements, such as the wide stone cornice and the front gable featuring an oculus, which break up the vertical lines and add visual interest.

The entrance of the Strathcona Library is particularly noteworthy, featuring a wide stone staircase flanked by Ionic columns and a curved pediment. These classical elements confer a sense of gravity and dignity, befitting a place dedicated to learning and knowledge. The architectural design successfully merges functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a space that is both inviting and grand.

In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Strathcona Public Library was designated a Municipal Historic Resource in 2004 and a Provincial Historic Resource in 2006.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edmonton. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Strathcona Library
Sight Location: Edmonton, Canada (See walking tours in Edmonton)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Old Strathcona Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Edmonton, Alberta

Create Your Own Walk in Edmonton

Creating your own self-guided walk in Edmonton is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Old Strathcona Walking Tour

Old Strathcona, located in south-central Edmonton, Alberta, is a historic and vibrant district. Once the commercial core of the separate city of Strathcona, it is now a major arts and entertainment hub frequented by residents and students from the nearby University of Alberta, making it a unique and essential part of Edmonton's identity.

The Strathcona Public Building and the iconic... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Edmonton Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed "Canada's Festival City" for its year-round slate of festivals, Edmonton 鈥� the capital city of Alberta province 鈥� is a cultural, governmental, and educational hub. It is also known as the "City of Champions," the moniker coined by the mayor of the city who praised the community's resilient response to F4 tornado that struck Edmonton in July 1987.

Fort... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles

51爆料网