Rendition of expansion to the rear of the Picton Public Library. (Photo: Prince Edward Library Board)
Prince Edward County council is moving ahead and allowing its library board to go to tender on a major expansion of the Picton Public Library.
The library board’s consultants estimate the cost of the expansion, which would double the size of the library, at around 2 million dollars.
So far, over 1.5 million dollars has been raised and the board is confident it can raise the rest and further fundraising efforts are underway and planned.
Many on council have serious concerns about cost overruns and lack of detail on the operating costs of the expanded library.
Some questioned whether a lecture theatre and music room were really necessary, although all agreed the Picton branch needed to expand and that libraries were
an important investment.
an important investment.
When asked whether smaller library branches in the county were being invested in, board members said capital projects were ongoing but stressed 50% of all library business
county-wide came through the Picton branch. Board members also did not expect any extra staff to be hired because of the expansion.
county-wide came through the Picton branch. Board members also did not expect any extra staff to be hired because of the expansion.
In the end council agreed with Mayor Steve Ferguson that there was no commitment to the project and that tendering would provide some firm numbers as to the cost of construction.
Tenders should go out sometime in April and further discussion could occur in late May or in June.
