Wednesday night offered a glimpse on what the future Thorold Library could look like, as the Library Feasibility study was presented during a public meeting.
The report, put together by consultants from TCI Management in Toronto, revealed that the library boards preferred scenario is to see the building expand from its current cramped 8,800 sq ft. to somewhere around 30-34,000 sq ft. by adding a rear addition closest to Carleton Street.
Drawings of the suggested addition also featured an expanded entrance to provide accessibility, and the possibility of expanded parking sites.
Photos showing the possible interior displayed bright, open spaces with substantial natural light, structured accessible workspaces and a modern digital maker space.
The urge to expand the current library was also reflected in the consultants surveying among both community stakeholders from council, library- and municipal staff as well as among the 268 respondents in an online survey on the future of the library.
"The issue of space rises to the front. There is very strong support of the current library and adding space to it", TCI consultant Greg Young told the meeting.
"We are not trying to make a huge architectural statement here. It is an expansion".
Thorold's anticipated population growth also puts pressure on the library to expand, to the point where the library board has spoken in favour of a satellite location, possibly in southern Thorold.
According to TCI Consultants, an expansion of this magnitude could take between 18 and 24 months to complete, and roughly $6.6 million, according to conservative estimates.
While the future is looking bright for the interior of the library, the same can't be said about the connecting Chestnut Hall.
"We don't like it for the library. It does not work well. It is inaccessible and in bad shape.
There is water damage, mice dropping and stuff has come off the walls", Greg Young said, adding that the old building is inaccessible and awkwardly positioned.
"If somebody wants to fix it up and use it for a museum, there could be some cross pollination between there and the library."
While the survey pointed to the need for expansion and renovations at the old building, one thing stood out among the responses.
"Satisfaction with the staff came out very high", Young concluded.
