Port Moody council got a glimpse at the library's renovation plans - and the nearly $500,000 price tag - at an update last week.
Built in 1995, the Port Moody Public Library is out of space and is in need of repairs. Library board chair Linda Martin gave the council committee of the whole a detailed look at the library's immediate needs for a renovation to expand the space and resolve safety issues, noting that an expansion will be required within two to four years.
"Space continues to be an ongoing concern," Martin said. "Our space issues clearly impact the level of library service and our ability to deliver what the community wants."
Use of the library has increased significantly in the past few years, with the number of active cardholders jumping from about 16,300 in 2010 to nearly 24,800 in 2013. Circulation numbers for both print and electronic items have also gone up since 2011.
But Martin said there is little room to increase their collections to meet the public's needs.
"The bottom line is, without the extra space, we're not going to be able to serve the public as we want to," she said.
The renovation would mainly target the front of the library. The circulation and information desks would be combined into a smaller, single service point.
Returns handling would be moved to the Parklane Room, taking it out of the public area of the library and allowing for a future automated materials handling and sorting system.
The front area would be reconfigured to create a learning/information commons, with a focus on technology and group study areas (although the fireside reading area is set to remain as is).
As well, the library entrance would be reconfigured to merchandize the library's collection and provide easy access to self-service check-out.
The quiet study area would be moved to the back corner of the library, with better soundproofing installed, to mitigate noise complaints from more active areas of the library. The meeting/program room would then be moved to the current location of the silent study area.
Estimated cost for the entire renovation, including a 10% contingency fund, is $468,800. Of that cost, $75,000 will pay to replace the carpet throughout the library, which Martin said is an urgent need because parts of it are buckling and shrinking, causing a safety concern.
Martin also noted that the renovation plans are being incorporated into the future expansion plans so that the work will not have to be re-done.
Also in the library's report to council were two additional capital budget requests, to be funded by the library reserve. The requests include $85,000 to replace the aging theft-detection and self-checkout system (2015) and $100,000 for an automated materials handling system (2016/'17).
The new city council is expected to consider the renovation plan and budget requests in early January.
