A NATIONAL TREASURE
Calgary’s Memorial Park Library has been declared a national historic site by Parks Canada. The library on 2nd Street S.W., which opened in 1912, is among 125 across Canada funded by American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
One of Calgary’s oldest and grandest public buildings, the Memorial Park Library and its surrounding park, have been granted special status as a national historic site.
The library received the designation, along with 16 other candidates, on Jan. 12, according to an announcement by Parks Canada.
The venerable building, which presides over carefully maintained formal gardens in the Beltline, served as Calgary’s main library branch from its opening in 1912 until 1963.
It was built thanks to the efforts of a group of local women, including one of Calgary’s cultural pioneers, Annie Davidson.
“This group had advocated for the establishment of a free public library in Calgary for years, arguing that it would help turn the booming western town into a mature city,” Parks Canada wrote in a media statement about the designation.
The funding came from a donation provided by the famous American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He funded the construction of libraries across the world, including 125 libraries in Canada — three of them in Alberta.
The classically inspired building has housed a number of Calgary institutions over the years alongside the library.
Many of the city’s first cultural and educational clubs were headquartered at the 2nd Street S.W. building, and the city’s first art show was held there. It has previously housed the Glenbow archives and the Muttart Art Gallery.
Today, the library’s second floor is home to WordFest.
“I am very proud to recognize some of the people, places and events that have shaped our country,” Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said in a statement.
“Each of these designations is a distinct and vibrant symbol of Canadian identity. They tell the stories of who we are as a people and they inspire us toward new endeavours and adventures.”