The Transformation of Albert Campbell District Library

A Revitalized Community Space

Winner: 2023 Adaptive Reuse Award

Property Owner: Toronto Public Library

Project Date of Completion: October 22, 2022

The renewal of Albert Campbell District Library by LGA Architectural Partners transforms a 1970s modernist building into a contemporary, integrated hub for the community. Designed originally by Fairfield and DuBois Architects, after five decades of serving Scarborough’s diverse population, the brutalist building required significant upgrades to meet Toronto Public Library’s (TPL’s) current mandate. Following a three-year transformation, library staff welcomed back children, youth, adults, and seniors to enjoy this revived community resource, now offering a vibrant, inclusive place for all, complete with a new Digital Innovation Hub, recording studio, community auditorium, accessible rooftop terrace, and front entry garden designed in collaboration with Indigenous designers and artists.

Initially, TPL believed that an expansion or a replacement would be necessary to establish a state-of-the-art library for the community. However, LGA’s careful analysis revealed adaptive reuse to be the superior solution, safekeeping much of the architecture’s formal gestures and historical significance. This approach also enabled TPL to satisfy broader visionary objectives of sustainability, low carbon, and placemaking. Despite the contemporary layers, the architectural transformation pays tribute to the past: the new curved wood ceiling bands are inspired by the original red metal ceiling, while colour accents nod to the former bold colour scheme. More importantly, the adaptive reuse strategy has kept the building flexible for future growth, solidifying Albert Campbell District library as an ever-changing gathering place set to nourish the thriving community of Scarborough for years to come .