The current Main Library on Queen Street was built in 1962 and no longer adequately meets this community’s growing demand for library resources and services. The Kitchener Public Library Board has been working on a plan to renovate and expand the Main Library. Three possible options for renovation and/or expansion have been developed.
Option 1 - Renovation
Construction $ 16,000,000 Fees, Equipment, and Collections $ 4,000,000 Underground Parking $ 6,000,000
FEATURES
- Complete renovation
- Refreshed and updated interior spaces
- Improved layout of library services
- Services to children consolidated in child friendly space
- Greater flexibility to accommodate technology
- Increased energy efficiency
- Current 44 public parking spaces maintained
LIMITATIONS
- Limited space for future growth in library collections and resources
- Minimal increase in the number of public computer workstations
- Accessibility issues only partially addressed
- Need for additional space and parking not addressed
View Option 1 Floor Plan
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View Option 1 Floor Plan
Option 2 - Renovation and 30,000 sf Addition
Construction $ 24,000,000 Fees, Equipment, and Collections $ 7,000,000 Underground Parking $ 8,000,000
FEATURES
- Complete renovation and 37% increase in total space
- Refreshed and updated interior spaces
- Library collections increase 20%
- Public computer workstations increase 60%
- Services to children consolidated in child friendly space
- Greater flexibility to accommodate technology
- Increased energy efficiency
LIMITATIONS
- Minimal increase to space for public seating and studying
- Accessibility issues only partially addressed
- Future growth needs not fully addressed
- Parking needed
View Option 2 Floor Plan
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View Option 2 Floor Plan
Option 3 - Renovation and 54,400 sf Addition
Construction $ 32,000,000 Fees, Equipment, and Collections $ 11,000,000 Underground Parking $ 8,000,000
FEATURES
- Complete renovation and 66% increase in total space
- Refreshed and updated interior spaces
- Library collections increase 46%
- Public computer workstations increase 168%
- Reading lounge expanded, additional space for seating and studying
- Services to children consolidated in child friendly space
- Future space for collection growth and new services accommodated
- Fully accessible building
- Meets highest standards for energy efficiency
LIMITATIONS
- Parking needed
View Option 3 Floor Plan
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View Option 3 Floor PlanArtist's Conceptual Design
Please note that this is not a final design, but rather one possible representation of a renovated and expanded Central Library.
View Conceptual Design
10 comments:
In option #1 (Renovation), there is an $8 million expense shown for underground parking.
The summary of changes and floorplan for this option indicate that the existing 44 spots and parking lot are to remain (as is?), so why the $8 million for underground parking?
The Main Library requires additional parking. Option #1 would preserve the 44 existing parking spots in the lot behind the library and additional parking would need to be provided on an adjacent site. Options 2 and 3 would eliminate the on-site parking. Option #1 includes costs for underground parking at $6 million and Options 2 and 3 include costs for underground parking at $8 million.
Option #1 is listed as 'renovation only', but does seem to include a small expansion on the second floor (above the current children's department). How much space would this addition create?
All 3 options include a small addition of approximately 5,000 sf above the Children's department. This addition will complete the 2nd floor and allow for a more efficient layout of collections and services.
I would prefer to see improved and expanded transit service to the library than have 6 to 8 million dollars spent on parking. Is this a consideration?
Transit service to the library is an important consideration for many library customers. While transit service decisions are made by the Region of Waterloo, KPL has participated in the Region's public consultation process and has contributed comments on the need for expanded transit serving not only the library, but also the entire Civic District.
The main KPL branch is a vital part of the community. As a new K-W resident, I consider the library an essential and crucial service that is in need of a major update. Option #3 is my preference--public libraries increase literacy, numeracy, and public well being. They are an invaluable public good.
We pay plenty of tax here in Kitchener, why not put it toward the nicest and biggest model of library proposed? The city has put so much money into downtown already, which is so much appreciated. Why not give us a world-class library? The city is growing and growing - let's have a comfortable, inviting meeting place for this community. What is the likelihood of choosing the biggest option? Are there meetings I can attend to support this option? or forums I can join?
Earlier this year KPL developed 3 options for renovation and expansion of the Main Library. After careful consideration of all the options, the Library Board and City Council have recommended and approval Option 2. We are excited about the plans for a completely renovated Main Library with a 25,000 - 30,000 SF addition. Over the next year KPL will be working on the detailed design of the Central Library and opportunities will be provided for public input.
Thank you for your support of the library project.
I would like to see how this library project fits into the surrounding plans with the new court house being built how will that affect parking needs and how renovation of the library will affect future uses of other buildings in that area. The area should be seen as a whole or the library plans could affect future use of the weber street court house building as it has almost no parking of its own. Is there a plan for the whole area for the next decade and beyond?
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