Is it possible to raise the required funds for a new library?
That’s the question Powell River Public Library officials will ask a consultant to answer.
The library board has decided to issue a request for proposals for a study that will determine whether it is possible to raise the required amount of money from all sources to build a new library.
“This cannot be simply the board’s opinion,” said Jon Van Oostveen, board chair. “The study will involve some technical expertise that we don’t have. Even if the board had the capability to do the study, any conclusions we reached might be considered biased, so the study needs to be performed by an outside party.”
The library board has proposed construction of a new, 15,000-square-foot library, estimated to cost $9.5 million, on the vacant lot located on the corner of Marine Avenue and Abbotsford Street, known as the old arena site.
The board has been learning about what’s involved in an effective capital campaign and working on the first phase, which is planning, said Van Oostveen. “We know that for some, the words feasibility study and consultant are hot buttons, but they are both necessary to this piece of the campaign,” he said.
At some point, Van Oostveen added, the board will be asking Powell River taxpayers for financial support for a new library. “When we do that, you are going to want to know that you are supporting a project that has a high likelihood of success,” he said.
The cost of the consultant will come from funds donated for a new library and the board expects to complete the study and report the result in the first half of 2013.
“Watch for updates about this component of the process as we move through hiring a consultant and identifying likely sources of funding, including scanning the community to gauge its support for the new library,” said Van Oostveen.
Meanwhile, Councillor Chris McNaughton has given notice that he will be bringing forward a motion at the February 21 council meeting to ask the library board to identify a second location for a new library.
