NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH PUBLIC LIBRARY
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This past Monday, Guelph City Council unanimously approved Windmill Development Group as the preferred partner for the Baker District Redevelopment project. The Guelph Public Library Board enthusiastically supports this decision and is encouraged to see Council back this great investment in our city.
In February 2018, City Council approved the Guelph Public Library’s Business Case for an 88,000 square-foot new Central Library to anchor the Baker District. The vision for the new Central Library aligns with the city’s objectives of increasing downtown visitation and establishing new architectural landmarks.
Robust public engagement and consultation will help inform decisions surrounding design concepts, space and programming of the Baker District Redevelopment during this multi-year project. The Library Board is pleased that planning has already begun to determine the best methods to engage with the community about their needs in a central library.
There will be multiple opportunities for the community to participate and details will be released once they are finalized. Guelph residents and visitors can anticipate new Central Library spaces that will align with the library’s vision, mission, and strategic plan while addressing changes in technology, demographics and community needs.
The Guelph Public Library Board of Directors and staff applaud the strong support from Council and thank city staff for their hard work to help move the new Central Library project forward.
Lisa Maslove, Library Board Chair, shares, “The new Central Library will be a community hub for all who live and work in our growing community. We (Library Board and staff) are thrilled to take the next steps towards building a new Central Library that Guelph residents will be proud of.”
About the Guelph Public Library
The Guelph Public Library Board and staff provide ways for people to explore their world, enrich their lives and connect with their community. Together, we are creating a thriving community.
In 2017, Guelph residents checked out over 2.2 million library items. Library staff answered 149,383 questions. 7,265 people joined the library and accessed our resources and services for the first time. 1,503 programs were offered to over 39,200 participants. On average, there was 3,384 daily visits to the library’s website and digital resources to connect to the internet for entertainment, apply for jobs and complete research.
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