New Library FAQ

Why is a new building necessary?
The current location is too small to effectively serve the community’s needs. The option to expand at the current location has been explored and is not ideal due to the lot size and limited parking.

How will the project benefit the community?
A modernized facility is an opportunity for:

• an increased collection

• additional partnerships and better access to services

• public meeting space

• increased programming space

What will the new library space offer?
A new library space would allow for a significant increase in space from our current 1,000 sq. ft. An updated and modern facility with improved technology will offer patrons, visitors and partners adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces, more comfortable seating areas, and improved accessibility.

These added benefits will also include more programming space for children, teens, adults, and seniors, as well as an expanded collection that includes digital resources. The new library is also intended to offer more private, training and meeting areas and opportunities to hold community events and offer more partnerships with community organizations.

What is the current status of the project?
Currently, all options are being actively explored. Council is in the process of creating a plan to develop the waterfront property at the end of Lansdowne Street, which includes the Library.

Additionally, the Municipality has hired a consultant to conduct a service review and organization assessment of cultural, recreational and related functions of the Municipality.

 

This review will provide an opportunity for Council and the Library Board to consider the reconfiguration of the organizational structure between municipal departments and the Library Board. An opportunity to partner and/or share service delivery may impact the amount of space the library needs. The results of this review will be used to establish the best location and the necessary space required for the library.

Who is responsible for the project?
As the Municipality owns the land and current library facility and the Library Board operates the library program out of the municipal owned facility, the Municipality and Library Board are working together to ensure this project is the right size in the right location to meet the needs of the community while remaining accountable to the taxpayers.

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When will the new library open?

The development of a new library has been a complex process, as each council has worked to balance community priorities and available resources. In addition, securing the necessary funding has been challenging. As new information is available this web page will be updated by the Library.
 

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How will the new library be funded?
The Municipality and Library are working together to find a cost-effective solution with the goal of minimizing any impact on the tax rate. Available funding opportunities will also be explored to help offset costs.

What happened to all the money raised for a new library?
To date, over $450,000 has been set aside for a new Callander Library. These funds are held in a bank account under the control of the Library Board.

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The Municipality has a separate reserve fund, that has been dedicated to funding the building of a new library space.

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Are there opportunities for public input?

As the project moves forward the Library will continue to share information with the public. Public feedback is always welcome, and can be forwarded to newlibrary@callanderpubliclibrary.ca. All responses will be collected by Library Staff and shared with the Library Board and Municipality on a monthly basis.