Library seeking ideas for central branch

With a request for proposals (RFP) released Thursday, the Regina Public Library has taken the first step in a long journey to expand and transform its central branch.

“The role of libraries have changed significantly over the past few decades, and what we have right now downtown doesn’t really meet the needs and space that we need for the future,” said Sean Quinlan, board chair for the Regina Public Library.

The RFP seeks a consultant to develop and present a business case to the RPL’S board of directors that outlines options for the future of the building.

With the city’s population double what it was when the central branch was built in 1962, the RPL has outgrown its current home. The approximately 75,000-squarefoot building is only about half the size required to serve Regina’s growing population and public demand, says the RFP.

“Right now we don’t know where we would go,” said Quinlan. “They could suggest that we tear down the building and build anew. Another option would be to keep the existing structure, totally renovate it and ... add on to it.”

All of RPL’S system-wide administrative services, including library materials acquisition, programming and corporate functions, are also housed at the central branch.

Past research has shown these services should remain at the central branch, but the RFP suggests a review is needed to confirm that’s still the case.

“What we’re looking for is to have something that’s going to be able to serve the people of Regina for the next 30 to 50 years,” said Quinlan.

In 2011 the RPL and P3architecture unveiled a feasibility study looking at the potential for a new central branch, which could incorporate retail spaces and a hotel, as well as a space for Globe Theatre which, at the time, was looking for a new space itself.

But after a shift in federal funding priorities the two-phase project, with the library portion alone expected to cost between $60 and $70 million, fell by the wayside.

Since then, the condition of the building has only worsened.

“Things have deteriorated to such an extent that something has to be done,” said Quinlan.

“That’s why we put out this RFP today.”

The roof hasn’t been changed since the building was built, and at the time some of the windows were put in backwards, according to Quinlan. The boilers need attention and the building is not “overly accessible,” he added.

It is also not up to code. To address more immediate safety concerns, the library is having the granite cladding on the side of the building reinforced this fall.

Funding has been secured for this phase of the central branch renewal. The contract will be awarded by Dec. 20, 2019 and the project would begin Jan. 1, 2020.

A finalized business case is expected by March 23, 2020. Quinlan said the timeline for the next steps depends on what the board decides after seeing the business case.

“It’s the first step in a long process to meet the needs of the people,” said Quinlan.