Temporary library closes Dec. 30; move-in could last a month
The Peterborough Public Library’s main branch on Aylmer St. may not reopen until the end of January, said the library’s CEO.
Jennifer Jones said on Thursday it’s unclear exactly when the newly renovated building on Aylmer St. will reopen.
But the temporary location in Peterborough Square will close for good at 1 p.m. on Dec. 30, and Jones said the renovated main branch may not open for another three weeks or so, after that.
On Jan. 2, movers will start taking library materials from the temporary location to the Aylmer St. branch – that plan still stands.
But Jones said the Aylmer St. branch hasn’t been declared safe for occupancy yet, and it’s unclear when that might happen.
Once the building can be safely occupied and the books are moved and organized, Jones will need a week to train staff in the new space. The library won’t open until after all that’s done.
In the meantime, the library’s De La Fosse branch on Park St. will remain open.
Any library materials checked out of the temporary location before Dec. 30 – or any materials renewed, before then – won’t be due back until Jan. 31.
Joe Fortin, an assistant clerical supervisor at the library, encouraged patrons to check out books in bulk, in the coming days.
“Ultimately, it’s less material to move,” he said.
The main branch of the Peterborough Public Library closed for construction roughly 18 months ago; the temporary location in the mall has been open all that time.
The library has been undergoing a $12-million expansion and renovation project.
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 Vent in Group has done there design. 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.
Jones said she’s been inside lately, and the flooring and shelves are installed. She said she was pleased with the look of the interior.
“It’s open, airy, bright – and clean,” she said.
The move will be completed by London-based moving firm AMJ Campbell, which specializes in moving libraries, she said.
Patrons who’d like to renew their library materials or would like to ensure their library cards won’t expire during the closure are encouraged to call 705-745-5382, ext. 2332.