The business case for a new Main Branch library calls for a $50 million building three times the size of the current one.
The proposed new library, which would be part of the Baker Street redevelopment, would also add an estimated $2.2 million to the Guelph Public Library annual operating budget.
That business plan, prepared by consultants KPMG, was unanimously approved by the Guelph Public Library’s board on Tuesday night.
"I think the business plan is bang on. It reinforced what we thought from the beginning. I think it's the right size, I really do," library CEO Steve Kraft said in an interview.
"Hopefully City Council finds it a pleasing report."
The business plan goes before council at a special meeting on Feb. 13. If approved by council, detailed design work could proceed later this year as the city has already accounted for the next step in the 2018 budget.
The current library is just over 23,000 square feet. The proposed new one should be 88,000 square feet, says the business plan.
It is based on meeting the future needs of a population of 185,000.
Kraft feels that 88,000 square feet is an ideal size for a library projecting to serve the city over the next 20 to 30 years.
He said the library kept attainable goals in mind when coming up with a business plan.
"We have to provide the correct level of services and programs for the public, that's the mandate of the library board, but we're also considering the economy of the project to and keeping it in an affordable range," Kraft said.
The business plan notes that operating a library of this size, which would need between 11 and 21 new full-time employees, would increase significantly.
“The cost to operate a facility that is almost three times the size of the current facility will significantly increase current cost levels. These operating costs will be dependent upon building design, construction and operations.”
The report notes that the current 52-year-old Main Branch on Norfolk Street is in serious need of structural and operational upgrades and has safety and accessibility issues. It also has mechanical and electrical issues below code.
A new library will be bigger, serve as a community hub, have increased capacity with improved technology and improved access.
It would also provide archival space for the city, exhibition space for artists and the opportunity for new revenue opportunities.
The business plan does not include a 300-seat auditorium, which some members of the public have voiced should be part of the project.
