Edmonton's revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library opens this week (PHOTOS)

The newly revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library in downtown Edmonton is set to open on Thursday after undergoing construction for the past three years.

Edmonton Public Library released new images of the space on Tuesday, two days ahead of the new library’s grand opening celebration.

There have been mixed opinions on the library’s new exterior, but inside there are freshly constructed labs and maker-spaces, an interactive digital story wall, an Indigenous gathering space known as the Thunderbird House, a gaming room, and a children’s area that’s triple the size of the original.

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“It’s a space packed full of learning opportunities and innovation and will quickly become the vibrant community hub in our city we have always imagined,” Pilar Martinez, Edmonton Public Library CEO, said in a news release.

The grand opening on Thursday, September 17 will feature a digital ribbon-cutting ceremony and some live performances. Due to the continuing pandemic, capacity at the library will be limited and guests will be required to wear face masks.

Check out some pictures of the new library below:

Karl Lee Photo/Edmonton Public Library

Karl Lee Photo/Edmonton Public Library

Thunderbird House (Karl Lee Photo/Edmonton Public Library)

Shelly Milner Children’s Library Makerspace (Karl Lee Photo/Edmonton Public Library)

Computer and study space (Karl Lee Photo/Edmonton Public Library)