Trail & District Public Library

New Facility Project

Letters from the Library Board
Benefits of a New Facility
Background Information

Letters from the Library Board

October 3, 2007

On behalf of the Trail & District Public Library Board, I would like to update the community on what the Library Board has been doing regarding the new Library in the proposed Esplanade Centre Complex. After reviewing some preliminary plans, the Board requested that the new Library be at least 8000 net square feet, not including shared space in the building that will include meeting rooms, a staff lunchroom, washrooms, and some storage space. We believe that the community's needs will be met by a Library of this size.

Another proposal that we have brought to the City is that the design include a covered deck of around 1,000 square feet facing the river. This deck would have many benefits; it would allow more space for reading, studying and gathering, maximize the public's enjoyment of the river view and make the Library truly unique. Additionally, the overhang from the deck would provide shelter from the weather for whatever entrance and/or features are below it. We feel that this would be an inviting and functional feature that would enhance the success of the whole Centre. As the current plan is to house the Library on the second floor of the building, easy access by elevator is essential, as is a 24-hour book drop on the ground level.

The Board is committed to ensuring that Trail gets the best possible new Library. Please let your local politicians know how you feel about this issue.

Sincerely,

Brian Volpatti
Board Chair
Trail & District Public Library

March 7, 2007

As part of the ongoing discussions surrounding the planned civic complex and what facilities should be included, the Board of the Trail & District Public Library would like to clearly state our position on the issue. A new Library should be included in the complex.

The new library will be the anchor of the complex and is key to the planned revitalization of downtown Trail. About 200 people visit the Library every day. Visits will increase with an attractive, accessible and convenient facility. This foot traffic will have economic benefits to the surrounding businesses and the entire downtown.

Trail residents support the inclusion of the Library in the civic complex. In the October 2006 Ipsos Reid survey, the Library was ranked at the top of the list of amenities to be included in the complex, with 82 percent ranking it as important or very important.

With more space, a convenient location, and an up-to-date infrastructure, the Library will be able to offer more space for reading and studying, more computers, wireless Internet access, and more programs for all ages to enrich the lives of everyone in the community. Our growing population of senior citizens will find it easier to enjoy all that the Library offers when it is in an accessible location. An inviting and comfortable area for children and teens will provide a positive space for studying and other lifelong learning activities. The more young people use their public library, the more they develop habits that enhance their lifelong learning.

The time is now! The place is the civic complex! Let's seize this opportunity to improve the quality of life in our community. Let your local politicians know how you feel about this issue.

Brian Volpatti, Chairperson
Fran Noone, Vice-Chairperson
Nuala Bain
Robert Cacchioni
Violet Hayes
Tammy Hoffschild
Sheryl Plotnikoff
Dale Smyth
Trail & District Public Library Board

Benefits of a New Library in the Planned Civic Complex

The New Library will be Convenient to Use

The new Library will be located in the heart of downtown Trail, near the businesses and services located there.
Transit will be close by, and the Library will be pedestrian-accessible.
No more crossing a busy highway, walking up stairs and through a building to return books.

The New Library will offer More Books and Resources

The new Library will be larger than at the current location, allowing it to provide more materials.

The New Library will attract Children and Youth

A separate and attractive area for children and teens will provide a safe space for studying and other lifelong learning activities.
The new Library will be comfortable and welcoming to young people.
The more young people use their public Library, the more they develop habits that enhance their lifelong learning.

The New Library will offer More Computer Access

The Library is often the only alternative for people who do not have computers at home.
A larger space will provide room for more internet stations to meet the high demand for this service and help bridge the digital divide.

The New Library will offer More Community Programs and Activities

With more space, the Library will be able to offer more educational and cultural programs such as readings, meetings, classes and storytimes.

The New Library will be good for Trail's Economy and Reputation

An attractive, modern Library will help to attract newcomers to the area.
The new library will serve as an anchor for the new Civic Centre and enhance nearby businesses.
With around 200 visits a day in an old location with difficult accessibility and limited space, imagine what kind of foot traffic a new Library would bring to downtown Trail.

Background Information

The Library moved to its present location in the Trail Memorial Centre in 1958 and since then the Library has served its community in this building.

The Trail & District Public Library offers a wealth of resources and services to the community. However, it operates in a small and dated facility that was identified in the 2002 Cornerstone Report of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Commission as being 30% smaller than current recommendations for modern Library services.

The residents of Trail have voted in two referendums regarding the Library: in 1999, a vote on an improved or expanded Library was endorsed by 70% of the voters; in 2002, a Civic Cultural Complex that would combine a Library, City Hall and Museum in one facility was defeated.