Ādisōke, a landmark co-location of Ottawa’s new Central Library and the main public space for Library and Archives Canada, is months away from opening. It’s one of the most significant developments in the National Capital Region in a generation. What does it mean for researchers?
For family historians, there’s a shared OPL/LAC genealogy space on Level 2 of Adisoke (let’s skip the accents), to be called the Family History Centre, staffed by both organizations and open to all. Both OPL and LAC databases will be accessible. Duplicate genealogy materials are to be weeded out. Whether to send them elsewhere is under review.
The Ottawa Room/Living Ottawa
The Ottawa Room at the current Main Branch has long been a quiet but valuable resource for local researchers. It’s a cramped space, more reminiscent of a storage room than a proper reading room, but it contains material hard to find elsewhere: City corporate records, including those for the OPL itself, dating back fifty years or more. The wide range of items is of genuine historical interest, even if their day-to-day demand is low.
When asked about plans for this material, OPL’s response was measured: the library is “currently reviewing which OPL corporate records will remain with Living Ottawa (a newly imagined Ottawa Room also on Level 2 of Adisoke) and which may be transferred to the City Archives at 100 Tallwood.” Some of what the Ottawa Room holds likely belongs in a proper archival setting rather than a public library. The City Archives is a logical home, but a concern is whether it’s adequately resourced to take on that role.
Worth noting, technology amenities, including a maker space, scanners and recording studios, are planned, so if you want to scan old family photo negatives or digitize an old home movie, the facility will be there.
LAC Research
If you’re concerned about consulting Canada’s vast documentary heritage, LAC’s Research Room, located on levels 3 and 4, is the place to go. It’s described as a bright, modern, and multifunctional space designed for In-depth exploration and study, with panoramic views in an environment that supports quiet work. You won’t get same-day access to archival resources; they will need to be transferred from off-site storage as at present.
The bigger picture
It is worth acknowledging that, with the Adisoke opening date still uncertain, it now looks to be in 2027; some decisions remain. Both organizations will be working through complex transitions. Whether it be accessing locally significant historical material, the kind of thing you stumble upon in a cramped room at the present Main Branch, or having the space and equipment required for serious research in national records, the facilities look great. It is reasonable to keep asking questions to ensure the Adisoke facilities actually deliver the service we need and expect from these institutions after transitional glitches.
I’ll continue to follow developments and report back as the picture becomes clearer.
Reminder: OGS Virtual Conference 12-14 June 2026
Scots Guards Memorials, 1779–1945
The last Sunday Sundries included these Hampshire updates from Ancestry: