Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The City of Ottawa celebrated the completion of the pouring of all five floors, also known as the “topping off” of Ādisōke, the Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility.
With the pouring of the floors now complete, work will soon begin on the iconic curved roof of the facility, constructed by PCL Construction. To honour this momentous occasion, the partners each signed a piece of structural steel that will be placed within the facility’s interior.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the Ādisōke project as we celebrate and unveil its official branding. The name Ādisōke means ‘storytelling’ in Anishinābemowin Algonquin language. As its name implies, Ādisōke will be a place where all are welcome, coming together to learn, connect and share stories and histories as its doors open in 2026,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
In addition to celebrating the completion of the floors, the partners also unveiled the official branding for the facility, as well as the new look of the project website, adisoke.ca. The branding reflects the power of storytelling, as well as the natural environment that surrounds the facility, supporting a space that is truly welcoming.
“October is Canadian Library Month – a time to celebrate libraries and the positive and meaningful contributions they make in our communities, and a perfect time to mark this latest milestone for Ādisōke, home of Ottawa Public Library’s future Central branch. The branding for Ādisōke highlights all that is special about this project: the land on which it sits, the unique and valued partnership between Ottawa Public Library, Library and Archives Canada and the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, and that we are building a place where all are welcome and belong,” said Councillor Matthew Luloff, Chair of the Ottawa Public Library Board.
Set to open in 2026, the modern and iconic facility of Ādisōke will become a landmark destination in the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation’s territory, in what is now known as the National Capital Region. The site for Ādisōke is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, who have occupied the area since time immemorial. Elders and members of the Host Nation have been key partners in influencing the design of the facility, as well as the selection of the name Ādisōke, which refers to the telling of stories in the Anishinābemowin Algonquin language.
Ādisōke, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, in joint venture with KWC Architects, will bring together the rich collections of a world-class public library and a national institution under one roof, giving life to the stories and histories that connect us.
“The Anishinābe Algonquin Nation looks forward to a positive path forward via Ādisōke. We fully expect that our Nation’s members will be engaged as active Knowledge Keepers by the Ottawa Public Library within Ādisōke. Our Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Storytellers, Artists, Musicians, Cooks, Caterers, Entrepreneurs and youth must be offered spaces and roles of value in this beautiful facility. We look forward to seeing the ongoing construction of this important national facility in our traditional, unceded territory,” said Band Councillor Frankie Cote, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg.
Featured image: (Library and Archives Canada)
