City Council Gives Final Approval for Central Library Project

On Monday October 6, 2008, Kitchener City Council gave final approval for the Central Library project. The Library Board will now begin work on the design of a renovated and expanded Main Library.

We look forward to sharing with you detailed design plans for the Central Library in the coming year.

Thank you for your support of the library project.

The Record: Build A Library The City Can Be Proud Of

(Reprinted from The Record)

“After years of discussion, even dithering, Kitchener city council has voted to spend almost $36 million to expand and renovate its main library. This decision is welcome.

[...]

The city should make the expanded, renovated library an attractive, inviting space. In the so-called knowledge economy, it's vital to invest in the material, and the tools such as computers, to build that knowledge.

The library is not just a readily available, free source of information; it is a conduit for culture, a key player in the battle against illiteracy, a way for job seekers to hone their skills, for parents to spark a love of reading in their young children, for new immigrants to connect to their adopted home.

[...]

The library is an essential service in a modern society, and its expansion -- long overdue in a structure built to serve a population of about 76,000 -- should not be saddled with a penny-pinching, nickel-and-dime approach.

Money should not be stinted on design. It is not enough to simply take an aging building, tack on a workmanlike addition, and stuff it with as many books and computers as the budget will allow. The addition must be an inviting, comfortable, usable space.

Simply put, build the library the city needs and deserves, within a reasonable budget.”

Read the full article here

Central Library Project Approved

Thank you for your support!!

The Finance and Corporate Services Committee voted yesterday to approve the library's plan to renovate and expand the Main Library on Queen Street.

The Library Board recommended to Council a modified Option 2 for the Central Library renovation and expansion plan.

The next step will be final approval from City Council on Monday October 6, 2008 Council Chambers City Hall, 7:00 p.m.

Support Your Library

Show your continued support for the Central Library project by attending the library presentation to Finance and Corporate Service Committee on September 29, 2008. The Kitchener Public Library Board and city staff will present funding scenarios to address the funding shortfalls associated with two of the three options for renovation and expansion of the Main Library.

On May 12, 2008 the Kitchener Public Library Board presented a Central Library project update to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee. The update included three options for revitalizing the current Main Library. The Finance and Corporate Services Committee resolved:

“That Kitchener City Council allocate the $32.5 M previously earmarked from the Economic Development Investment Fund towards funding the Kitchener Public Library’s (KPL) renovation and expansion of the existing Main Library on its current location (85 Queen Street North); and,

That Kitchener City Council direct KPL staff to work with City Finance staff to bring back a report in September 2008 outlining a financial plan for funding Options 2 and 3, as outlined in KPL’s report dated May 12, 2008; and further,

That Kitchener City Council direct KPL staff to continue work on a joint parking solution with City staff and other organizations located in the Civic District area.”

On September 29, 2008, KPL and City Finance staff will outline a financial plan for funding the Central Library Project Options 2 and 3.

Show your support and attend the Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting on Monday September 29 at Kitchener City Hall.

Finance and Corporate Service Committee meeting - September 29, Kitchener City Hall Council Chambers 1:30 p.m.

Central Library Funding Options - Report to Finance and Corporate Services Committee - Joint Report

Central Library Funding Options - Report to Finance and Corporate Services Committee - KPL Report

Postcard Campaign a Success

Thank you to the 2,700 community members who signed postcards to let City Council know they support the library's plans to renovate and expand the Main Library.
Our postcard campaign has officially ended, however it is never too late to let City Council know that there is community support for the Central Library Project - write a letter, send an email, or phone the Mayor or your member of Council