Survey assesses need in advance of branch addition
There’s an addition in the works for the Creemore branch of the Clearview Public Library and members of the public are being asked to weigh in.
Library CAO Jennifer LaChapelle says the township has earmarked money from the Development Charges budget for a 1,000-square-foot addition to the Creemore Branch, scheduled to be completed in 2025. The overall budget of $ 930,000 will cover the expansion to the building as well as outfitting the new space. The money will come not from property taxes but from specific charges levied against developers to accommodate growth.
LaChapelle says recent improvements to the Stayner branch included a group study room and two tutorial spaces – something which might be incorporated into the expanded Creemore branch.
“Libraries are not just about books anymore,” she said. “We proctor exams at all three branches and in Creemore, we don’t have a dedicated space. There might be private spaces where you can take a phone call or perhaps a “maker space” with 3D and laser printers available to everyone. There are even libraries that have sewing machines to teach quilting to children.”
The existing teen and children’s spaces in Creemore are hugely congested, according to LaChapelle.
“We had to take over the meeting space to accommodate the teen section and the space is rather disjointed,” she said. “There is also not a lot of public seating. The increasing need for room to house the collection means the facility is quite crowded, and it would be nice to see things spaced out to improve accessibility.”
The library is currently conducting a Space Needs Survey for the Creemore Branch. They’d like to hear from all Clearview residents, not just people in Creemore. And they’d like to hear from people who currently use the library and those who do not.
“If you’re not using the library,” said LaChapelle, “we’d like to understand why not. Are there things you are interested in that we are not currently providing?”
The survey is available at all library branches, as well as on the library website at www.clearview.library. on.ca, and social media channels. Responses will be accepted until Sept. 16. The library board will then review results and make recommendations to the township.
