CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Charlottetown’s public library will soon have a new home in the Dominion Building, along with $16 million to assist with the move and renovations.
The federal and provincial governments announced joint funding Wednesday afternoon for the construction of the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre.
The work will involve moving the library from its current home in the Confederation Centre of the Arts to the Dominion Building across Queen Street.
The new building will incorporate the latest in modern technology and design, while providing a safe cultural and educational space for adults, youth and families, including Indigenous peoples and vulnerable populations.
"Today's new concept libraries help to make communities healthier, they make it easier for people and communities to connect and they help to boost local economies,” said Brian Howatt of Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Inc.
“This new facility will have a huge, positive impact on our downtown, on local business and on both our city and our provincial communities. It will be a valuable addition to the city's cultural hub and grow the already busy creative cluster in this prominent area of Queen Street."
The federal government is investing over $6.3 million in the project, while the province is contributing over $5.2 million. The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Inc. will fund over $4.4 million.
The current library averages 5,000 visitors weekly. The new space will be double the size to create a modern flagship library for the province to accommodate many more people.
In 2016, a consultant’s report determined the library required significantly more space to meet current demand and future growth and recommended exploring options for a move to a larger and accessible space. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. and community partners formed the non-profit Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Inc. to secure funding, which includes funding from the City of Charlottetown.
The province will continue to take care of the new library's operation, materials and staff.
“Like everything else, libraries need to meet the changing needs of the people who use them,” said library board chairwoman Helen Hyndman. “We are really looking forward to this free gathering place where all ages can enjoy everything from wifi to baby story time; teen programs; tech training for seniors; talking books, regular books, e-books and even musical instruments or snowshoes to borrow. It will be a vibrant, exciting space where people will want to go.”
The new library is expected to open in the summer of 2020.
