Renovated library to open in November

The newly renovated Peterborough Public Library is expected open sometime in November – about a month later than originally planned, said a city official.

Ken Doherty, the city’s director of community services, said there have been a few construction delays.

The foundation of a 1908 fire hall was unearthed on the site during excavation, for example; that historic foundation had to be removed before work on the new foundation could begin.

The site also required extensive de-watering during excavation, and Doherty said the wet weather this summer also hindered construction somewhat.

But he said the $12-million renovation and expansion project is still on budget.

And Doherty said the library will look much different, when it reopens.

“It will be brighter – and there will be much more space,” he said.

In addition to the new glass façade, the children’s department is moving to the lower level and there’s a grand staircase leading downstairs.

There’s also a bank of new bay windows along the Bethune St. side of the building.

Toronto architectural firm The Ventin Group has done the redesign. The library was originally designed by architect Ray Moriyama, who designed the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The library was more than 30 years old when the renovation project began, and it hadn’t been renovated at all over the years.

Ever since construction started more than a year ago, the library has been operating out of a temporary location in the lower level of Peterborough Square.

Meanwhile, there is going to be a new public square built next to the Peterborough Public Library on the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer Streets.

The city bought the property and tore down the law office that once stood there. Since then, the law firm LLF has purchased the naming rights of the new square.

Scott Elliott, the city’s corporate sponsorship co-ordinator, told the parks and recreation advisory committee at a meeting on Tuesday that the park won’t be named for the law firm.

Instead, LLF is soliciting suggestions for names from the parks and rec committee, as well as the public art advisory committee and the library board.

The idea is to come up with a short list of names that LLF can choose from, Elliott said.

The parks and rec board didn’t brainstorm on Tuesday; Elliott said they could take some time to give him feedback.

LLF is also helping the city pay for a piece of public art for the square.

The city has conducted a search for an artist to create a piece of public art for the square, but hasn’t yet announced the winning artist or unveiled a design.