‘Shelf-by-shelf’: Saskatoon new public library on track to open in 2027

The final timber beam is now in place at Saskatoon’s new public library – a major construction milestone for project that’s set to change the city.

The final timber beam has been installed at Saskatoon’s new public library, as crews continue work on the building’s exterior.

The downtown library is on track to open in 2027.

“It’s really exciting,” Saskatoon Public Library CEO Carol Shepstone told CTV News at the construction site, as glass panels were being mounted.

Every book from the Frances Morrison Central Library will need to move into the new facility.

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“It’s a little logistically challenging, but we’re good at that,” Shepstone said.

“You go shelf-by-shelf — a box will relate to a shelf — and you keep it all organized.“”

Staff will also be moving, and the library plans to hire about 10 additional positions.

Beyond books, the new library will include a children’s play area, gaming space, an auditorium, a café, and rooms designed for media production.

“You can do podcasting or green-screen video recording,” Shepstone said.

The project carries a $150-million price tag — $16 million more than the original estimate.

For the average Saskatoon homeowner, that translates to $1.60 on the library levy this year. No additional increases are planned for 2027.

Construction of the new downtown library began in June 2024.