As the ball keeps rolling with plans for a new and improved multi-use library facility in Airdrie, the City is asking for residents to complete a survey for what they would like to see at the new facility.
“Council is really looking for this facility to be a catalyst to bring people downtown,” said Michelle Lock, director of community services with the City. “They want the library to serve as a hub for development and be a destination for our entire community.”
According to Lock, a part of the planning process includes an allocation of 60,000 square feet for the library. With the broad range of services offered by modern libraries, Lock said the survey helps the City understand what the community is looking for.
“With the new facility, 60,000 square feet offers a lot of space for new programs and services,” she said. “When we combine and analyze the planning with the library’s, we can see what gaps might exist in the community so the multi-use space can be configured to address community needs."
While there are many directions the City could take to fill the space, Lock said there is no clear path. She said between consultants and resident feedback, it should become more clear what the public is looking for and what will work best.
“It could be office space or kiosk space, an example may be a post-secondary institution,” she said. “It could also be for community-based organizations.”
The new library, which is anticipated to open in Airdrie’s old fire hall on Main Street in 2025, is currently in the initiation phase of the project.
According to a previous council presentation held on May 4, the next steps include determining a schedule, building a communications plan, creating an initial budget breakdown and a consolidated project plan.
The next two years, according to a document presented during the previous meeting, will be set aside for the library’s planning phase. Construction is not slated to start until 2023.
The project is set to cost approximately $44 million, with $6,447,185 already approved by the City for the project’s pre-planning and design.
The 60,000-square-foot space will also allow the library’s ability to double the number of items it carries. Airdrie Public Library director Pamela Medland said in a previous story with the Airdrie City View when the facility is complete, the library will be able to increase its current inventory of 80,000 items to 160,000 items.
The City is asking residents to complete the online survey before July 31. The survey can be taken online by visiting airdrie.ca/newlibrary
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
