Annapolis Valley Regional Library relocating headquarters to Berwick

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library is turning the page on its search for a new headquarters.

Lorraine McQueen, interim chief executive officer, said the board opted for the Berwick proposal for the new headquarters location, which will see the development of a new building with space shared with the Berwick Town Hall and the Berwick branch of the library.

“The conditions and the evaluation clearly indicated the better option was Berwick,” McQueen said. “All municipal branches in the Valley, our current landlord and commercial developers were invited to respond to our RFP.”

McQueen said the AVRL headquarters has been working for quite some time to find a new home.

“The board has been looking to obtain improved working conditions for four years now,” McQueen said. “This is finally the end of a very long process.”

The process began with the requirements of a new headquarters being drawn up and approved by the board. Next, they hired an outside consultant, who concluded that improvements were necessary.

The AVRL then issued a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit options for an improved facility. The board received six RFPs across Kings and Annapolis counties.

“The RFPs closed on April 1,” McQueen said. “Responses to the RFPs were opened and evaluated on April 2.”

Don Clarke, mayor of Berwick, said he is “extremely pleased” Berwick was chosen.

“We are doing this in conjunction of replacing our current town hall,” Clarke said. “It’s in dire need of renovations.”

Clarke said the location for the new building is still being debated but the Town of Berwick has issued expressions of interests for residents to suggest building locations.

The call date for the expression of interest is May 14.

“We hope to start the development for the building later this year,” Clarke said. “If we can’t get the ball rolling, it’ll be early next year before we do.”

The board’s decision to relocate to Berwick ends any speculation they may join the Kentville branch in search of a new location. The Kentville branch needs to relocate as a result of the Cornwallis River bridge replacement project.

“We hope that Kentville will find a good new location for their branch library,” McQueen said.

The current lease the AVRL has with Bridgetown Development ends March 31, 2017. Evaluation factors considered included: • Suitable facilities • A modern office environment • Adequate heating and air conditioning • Location • Ease of access to the 101 • Cost per sq./ft. • Economic impact on the AVRL