Local residents are encouraged to offer their input regarding options for the future space requirements of the Fort Frances Public Library at a public meeting slated Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. upstairs in the museum.
The meeting comes on the heels of the preliminary findings of John Stephenson of the architectural firm of Kuch, Stephenson, Gibson and Malo, who has been hired to look into library space requirements for the next 30 years, chief librarian Margaret Sedgwick said Monday.
“At this point, there’s no been no decisions made, just discussion between the consultant and the library,” she noted.
Stephenson will be on hand to talk about his findings and to receive feedback and ideas from the public, added Sedgwick.
Since the addition to the library in 1967, the library has incorporated many changes, including talking books, CDs, CD ROMs, videos, DVDs, and computers, as well as many new programs for young children.
This has left less and less room over the years.
As the library continues to evolve, the space requirements need to be examined, noted Sedgwick, adding one very important consideration is wheelchair accessibility.
Stephenson began his study last fall to determine whether the library can be expanded, or whether a new one should be built here. The library building was constructed in 1898, with the expansion completed in 1967.
While the consultation costs $16,490 plus GST as well as disbursements of $4,550, a telephone survey conducted last summer by the library board found a majority of residents approved of the expenditure.
Kuch, Stephenson, Gibson, and Malo conducted a similar survey at the Waverly branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
