Help pick name for library square

Vote begins on seven options for name of new parkette next to renovated main Peterborough Public Library main branch

The public will have a say in the naming of a new space at Aylmer and Simcoe streets that sits beside the newly renovated Peterborough Public Space library.

Ballots can be submitted at City Hall and on the city’s website for one of seven names which reference the history of the site.

This summer a large piece of public art by Patrick Li is planned to be installed as the public gathering space is completed.

The library, which reopened Jan. 30, was completed ahead of the accompanying plaza. It’s planned for the space to be used for events as well as a spot for library-goers to read and work.

The seven names include:

• Firehouse Square, named after a historic firehouse which was originally housed at the site.

• Brigade Square, named after the fire team that worked there.

• The W. A. Howard Commons, named after the city’s first fire chief.

• Robertson Davies Square, named after the playwright, novelist and former Peterborough Examiner publisher.

• Dr. Thomas Greer Square, named for the person who owned the house which is now home to the site.

• Library Commons, due to the proximity to the library.

• Carnegie Square, named after the former Carnegie Library which is now part of City Hall.

Voting in the parkette naming closes on April 20 and the new name will be announced on April 25.

Li, who designed the curvy piece of artwork going in the square, says he’s looking forward to people surrounding his sculpture to think, read or hold events.

He also says there’s a connection between his piece, called Your Story, and the stories people read at the library.

“People can go inside to enjoy it and create their own stories,” Li said.

He explains the angled structure creates “a dynamic form” which draws the eye and creates a centrepiece for the square.

Li says he’s excited for people to interact with his work and hopes people will come to the city to see artwork like his.

“People can say ‘I want to come to Peterborough just to see this,’” Li said.

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT EXAMINER Artist Patrick Li, who's creating a sculpture for the parkette outside the library, and LLF Lawyers, who are sponsoring the art/parkette, walks to the corner with Bill Lockington and partners of LLF Lawyers and Wendy Trusler, city public art...

CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT EXAMINER Artist Patrick Li, who's creating a sculpture for the parkette at Aylmer and King streets, speaks at the Peterborough Public Library on Wednesday morning.