Talk about the Old and the New!

It has been over a month now since I have written, and the new library continues to progress as you can see from the most recent photo. In this post I talk about our latest construction progress and also answer some questions about the future of the old library, as well as providing information about the interiors of the new building.

The crane has now gone from the site, the roof is complete and over 90% of the glass is now installed. The beauty bars (that would be the aluminum strips) between the panes give the “beauty “ touch and the riggers for the glass over hang are in place. The electrical, ducting and wall studs are currently being installed. All in all, it is really starting to look and feel like a library

Work continues on the LEC (Lonsdale Energy Commission). Right now you can see the pipes being run from the power plant to the library. The pipes will carry the water heated via the solar panels on the roof.

As promised here are the answers to several questions I have received recently:

You Asked: Is the old library going to be torn down?
No. The old library will remain. It is a companion building to City Hall. It’s 14,000 square feet will serve as a much needed expansion to City Hall. The library building will be renovated to accommodate the office and meeting space needs of City Staff and their associated Committees.

You Asked: What is the library going to look like on the inside?

The entrance interiors will create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Douglas fir will be featured throughout and complimented by texturized grey flooring. Here customers will be welcomed, materials returned or borrowed, computers will be available, with new materials displayed in a bookstore atmosphere. This floor will also house children’s services and a commercial café.

Soft greens are planned for the second floor to create a visual transition from the warmer lower level to the more temperate environment of a media centre and readers’ advisory service area. As you can see a more inviting magazine area is being created to allow for easier browsing using natural light to help illuminate available selections.

The second floor also features an area for teens. With its unique décor and state of the art technology it is sure to please.



Much more to come in future posts. In the meantime feel free to keep those questions coming. Talk with you next time!

Jane Watkins,
Chief Librarian