Guelph has finally got a good look at the alternative plans for the new main library project, at least in a cursory way. The agenda for the council meeting on October 7 has been released, but a lot of work has been done on planing for the new main library beyond just figuring out how much it will cost. Next week, residents will get a chance to get an in-depth look at the inside of the project from two of the people behind it.

On Tuesday September 29 at 7 pm, the Guelph Public Library will be hosting a virtual town hall with architects Duncan Bates of Diamond Schmitt and Megan Torza of DTAH. The notice from the Library notes that planning for the new library has been ongoing during the pandemic, and this will be the public’s chance to get an inside look at some of those plans.

To register for the meeting, click here and sign-up with your name and your email address, and you will sent the link.

“When the realities of COVID-19 demanded a rethink of the Baker District, the partnership of Windmill Development Group, Diamond Schmitt Architects, DTAH and the City of Guelph got creative,” said Scott Butler, the chair of the Library Board in a statement. “The result is a bold plan that, by every measure, is a dramatic upgrade for the library, the people of Guelph and city finances. There is a lot to be excited about.”

Formal and specific plans for the new library have been the subject of numerous public engagement efforts over the last few years. About half the total 88,000 square footage is meant to match the space from the current main library with adjustments to make the book stacks compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The rest of the new space might be used for a variety of reasons including meeting space, performance space, and maker space.

For the full business case for the new main library click here.