What's in a Library Building?

I went last week to the information session on Bruce St. Library.  I was at the afternoon session and there was a pretty decent crowd for that one  I watched the presentation, which, went through the three options, and made a recommendation. Those options are: to sell it outright, lease it, or put another library branch in the building. The Consultants recommended the Town maintain ownership, and lease it to another organization, entirely ruling out the possibility of having another small branch at the Bruce St. location

On the open market the consultant estimates the buildings at 45 Bruce St, and 407 Pine St would get at least $3 million each.  And that's without a bidding war- I can see that could present a huge temptation; sell off the property get the $6 million or more, use the money to service a few debts, maybe put some of it towards that hospital expansion.  Leasing would create a consistent revenue stream, and put the building to good use.

I got the feeling from the presentation though, the consultants still didn't see the consequences of removing the library from the neighbourhood..  I think the Town, and consultants underestimated the success of the petition to save Bruce St, or this issue would generate such a buzz among the people.  It's clear from the over 1,000 signatures there is some desire for Bruce St. as a  branch library, and hopefully Council will listen and make something happen.  It doesn't make sense to put an increased population in that area through intensification and then take an amenity like a library away.  I'd imagine that proximity to a library would be a huge draw to move to an area and could increase the real estate values.

In the absence of more branch libraries in the west end it only makes sense to leave a branch library along Main St.  With the movement of the main Library out to  its Main and Thompson location, and the Beatty Branch it could appear as if the resource distribution is unfair and make people who live in the core feel like they don't matter.  When Council considers the consultants' presentation, they should consider the petition, and make those people feel like they matter. 

Bruce St. Library: The Sequel

The idea of a new central library isn't new; it's been part of Milton's Destiny 2, and part of a library master plan.  What surprised everyone, was the rate of Milton's growth and the fact the money came for it in the first place.The money came through the Conservatives' Economic Action plan; stimulus money given by the Conservative government for infrastructure projects such as the Milton Arts Centre. 

I have been covering the story for the last year; ever since the decision was made to close the building.  As part of my job I was able to interview Head Librarian Leslie Fitch.  The one thing that amazed me about it was the vibe she didn't care what the closure would do to the neighbourhood.  She had a bright, shiny, new toy in the new library- what happened after the building closed didn't matter.   

In doing research on it, and talking to people it seemed nobody spoke up on behalf of the Library board.  Nobody asked the question: "What do we do when the building is closed?" Nobody asked if it was even possible to keep it open.  There is a pretty strong argument for keeping it open at least as a smaller branch.  The area is going to be intensified- why add in a few thousand people and take away a service? I'd imagine the convenience of having a service such as a library close by would be a big draw for people moving to the area.

And I know there are Councillors who believe we can't support two libraries 2 km's apart from each other.  Try telling that to seniors who live in the surrounding apartment buildings, or downtown along Millside drive.  I think we can.  When the new central branch opens all Library services will have effectively moved to the east side of Milton- so what about the west half of town? Bruce St. is probably closer for people living off the northern part of Scott Blvd.  Or what about living in the apartment buildings Bronte South of Main St.  It's closer for them too.  And I know, the average answer is; they can take the bus.  But there are people in town who don't have the money for a bus.


There have been options proposed for the building including the future home of a school, and some kind of mixed use building for both youth and seniors.  I just don't want to see the possibility of a branch library discounted. Of those offered I like the school idea the best; that's what the building once was.

If you feel the same way, there's an information session at the Milton Seniors Centre on June 16, 2011 at 7pm.  Hope to see you there!