At their April 27 meeting, Huntsville Councillors heard that the Huntsville Public Library is at capacity and has outgrown its space.
They were presented with a Library Master Plan by consultants Lisa Miettinen and Bill Curran. The plan makes several recommendations, including expanding library hours as well as recommendations related to library collections, services, the use of technology, and the library’s physical space for a growing community.
Most importantly, the Library Master Plan addresses the need to roughly double the library’s size to provide expanded programming, quiet workspaces, meeting rooms, and makerspaces to support learning, remote work, and community initiatives.
Discussions ensued regarding the expansion plan. The consultants noted that vertically expanding the building is not feasible. They recommended a new stand-alone building centrally located within walking distance to schools and the business sector. Suggestions also included seeking a partner to build a multi-residential building with housing on the upper levels and a new library space at the bottom, which would be the most economical, with the possibility of funding from senior levels of government. Curran also noted that the library’s existing building has value.
“It would be a wonderful project. Doubling the size would be fantastic. No question,” said Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock.
Councillor Jason FitzGerald noted that the issue has been discussed around the table for some time. He said it’s good to have a plan, “and that we want to move forward, and that we’re going to move forward.” Councillor Helena Renwick added that she’d love to see an art gallery added.
For more information, click HERE. You can also find a summary of the recommendations HERE and the project report HERE.
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“I think the old “Empire Hotel” lot would be the perfect site for the library and housing” an excellent idea: a showcase build – where is the owner of the empire lot? massive eyesore!
I agree Nancy with the idea of the “Empire Hotel” space! Perfect location with the benefit of ridding Huntsville of an eye sore! Parking as ever would be an issue!!
I think the old “Empire Hotel” lot would be the perfect site for the library and housing.
I suspect that the current building isn’t feasible for a second storey addition due to disruption on the ground floor. It seems like the library would need to close for at least two years to allow for such construction, if even possible structuarlly. It’s a good plan to build new, that way the library could still remain open to the public until the new building is complete.
I would suggest taking the example of the new fabulous Bracebridge library..complete with a welcoming gas fireplace! The building encompasses many different spaces on two floors. Huntsville could do this with a second floor using the current footprint. It would take a bold plan and an elevator would be mandatory. Our library has so much on offer already with a well curated collection..it can be even better! Being that the 21st century library has many more demands on it, as a public space, than it had back in the day, opening on Sunday would help expand the hours (once again) and expose even more patrons to it’s treasures while helping people connect with each other and online. Exciting times for our dear library..what will it become?