City Approves Architect for Library Renovation and Expansion Project

On Monday May 25, 2009, Kitchener City Council approved awarding the contract for consulting services for the design and construction of the library renovation and expansion and underground parking garage to Levitt Goodman Architects in association with The Walter Fedy Partnership and Phillip H Carter Architect.

This partnership offers KPL the expertise of Phillip H Carter, a renowned Library architect, combined with the innovative and fresh approach of Levitt Goodman Architects, a talented architectural design firm, and The Walter Fedy Partnership, a local firm offering architectural, engineering and construction services.

Levitt Goodman Architect is familiar with the library project having worked on the 2005 Library Building Program and the 2007 Assessment of the Main Library Facility and Site. Levitt Goodman projects include the Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum and the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

Phillip Carter has successfully overseen over 50 libraries including renovations to over twenty-five (25) Toronto Public Library Branches. Among these are the highly praised, Malvern District Public Library and the Lillian H. Smith Library.

To complement their design skills, Levitt Goodman Architects have also partnered with The Walter Fedy Partnership to provide solid expertise in parking garage design, LEED, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering.

“Levitt Goodman and their associates demonstrated a clear understanding of a public library’s unique design needs,” said Dan Carli, chair of the KPL Board. “A public library is not just a warehouse of books. It is a community place where people gather to learn, share, listen and be heard. Such a place requires not only an innovative design, but also one that takes into consideration the community it serves. Levitt Goodman and the team they have assembled were a unanimous choice”.

The Record: In the digital age, public libraries are more relevant than ever

(reprinted from the Record)

“. . . it has been a while since I visited my local library. So on a sunny day, I wandered over to the Kitchener Public Library.

I signed up for a free library card. The woman who served me was friendly and helpful. If I had taken my computer with me, I could have used the free wireless network.

[...]

There was a vitality to the place that had me thinking that public libraries are still important. Groups of children were busy with activities. A steady flow of people used the computers.

It appears I'm not the only one rediscovering this great institution during the recession.

[…]

Sonia and her staff are eagerly awaiting the selection of an architect for the 25,000-square-foot addition to the central library on Queen Street North. The current building, 82,000 square feet, dates back to 1962 and will be renovated.

Sonia says they're looking for a design to open up the space and transform the library from a storehouse of information to a community centre. "We're trying to establish a community living room," she says.

The history of supporting literacy and lifelong learning has not changed, but the library wants to encourage more interactions. For example, staff are encouraged to leave their desks and approach people, offering assistance and guidance.

[…]

Sonia hopes the ongoing transformation of the library will make it a hub of activity for many more years.

With all the plans and ideas for an even better library system, I'm betting I won't be the only one who plans to spend more time at my local public library.

Read the full article here