Library unveils plans for new Stayner branch

Clearview Public Library building committee member Bob Charlton presented plans for the new Stayner branch at council’s June 5 meeting.

“We have been waiting a long time for this to come to fruition and we are making excellent progress,” said Charlton.

He said the board is very pleased with the result so far and that the design is a work-in-progress, which could change, dependent on cost. The new branch will be added on to the Stayner arena. Architectural renderings, said Charlton, show a dramatic new shared entrance to the library and the arena hall. The library will have large windows, vaulted ceilings, a group study room, two small rooms for studying, tutoring and private meetings, a community living room with a fireplace and workspaces, including a laptop bar at the north facing floor-to-ceiling window.

In March, council selected Architects Luc Bouliane through a request for proposal to develop plans for the new 6,800 square foot branch, at a cost of $163,080.

The architects have already altered the initial plans to minimize a cantilevered roof at the entrance to reduce the cost.

Council approved a total budget of $3.2 million for the construction of the library, including the architect’s fees, landscaping and renovations to the arena hall, which the library will be using for programming.

Charlton said the proposal was chosen because of its minimal impact on the arena hall. As a result of the addition, a small portion of the hall will be transformed into a hallway space and a retractable wall will be added to divide the hall.

The renovation will result in the creation of a shared lobby and perhaps a space to accommodate a Clearview sports hall of fame.

Councillors Doug Measures and Deborah Bronée expressed concerns about the high ceilings and large windows and how would impact the cost of cleaning, heating and controlling humidity.

The library board has committed to raising $250,000 toward the cost of construction but Charlton said the fundraising campaign will be rolling out at a later date.