During last November’s municipal election, residents within the City of Powell River voted in a referendum to determine their support for a new library facility. Over 75 per cent of voters responded yes, granting the city the mandate to borrow up to $3.5 million in order to relocate the library to a new facility at Crossroads Village Shopping Centre.
Crossroads Village proponents and city staff are currently finalizing plans for the acquisition and renovation of the building at 4801 Joyce Avenue. The vacant commercial space on the lower level will house the new library at a total projected cost of $4.9 million.
Following the election, city council voted to support the referendum decision and to move the project forward. “It has been a challenging and well debated journey for our community to get to where we are today,” said Mayor Dave Formosa. “The renewal of this crucial piece of civic infrastructure is worth the effort. In considering and weighing all the factors, I believe we have finally arrived at an affordable option for a new library. As far as I am concerned, this location checks all the right boxes.”
On April 18, Powell River Public Library launched its fundraising campaign to generate an additional $1.4 million—the funds necessary to augment the city’s slated contribution of $3.5 million. The Board of Trustees has appointed Rotary Club of Powell River president-elect Carol Brown to act as campaign chair. Brown has lived in Powell River for nearly 20 years and is widely respected for her role as an educator and former principal at several elementary schools in the district. Brown has professional expertise as a fundraiser and librarian with particular interest in children’s programming. Describing her approach to this new role, she quotes the late American journalist, Hodding Carter. “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children,” she said. “One of these is roots; the other, wings.”
The new location for the library, at just over 17,000 square feet, will effectively triple the floor area, allowing for much-needed technology upgrades, additional seating, and an enhanced book and media collection.
The floor plan was developed by library staff and the Board of Trustees in consultation with a library design expert. The planned renovation reflects the broadened role of modern public libraries around the world—many have transformed from quiet learning centres into flexible, state-of-the-art community living rooms. Some of Powell River’s new library features include a dedicated teen space, a new children’s area, more computer stations, and reading areas with comfortable fireside seating.
The library’s capital campaign, called Build a Future, invites tax-deductible giving from corporations and individuals. The library greatly values the support of community organizations like Friends of the Library, Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Rotary Club, all of which have planned fundraising events in support of the new facility.
The library will honour the generosity of its patrons with a donor recognition program. “We hope to tastefully build those gifts into our architecture, for future library users to appreciate every time they walk in,” said Terry Noreault, interim chief librarian. “We’re working hard to create a space that serves the community while reflecting local talent and craftsmanship in its design.”
Supporters can make a charitable donation and view the new design features at the library’s campaign website.
