Renovated library for Sidney/North Saanich
October 9, 2018 | Sidney / North Saanich
Sidney, BC: Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has selected CCM Construction Ltd, a local Sidney company, for the renovation of the Sidney branch.
Hiring a local contractor means that local labour can be employed to undertake the renovations, which are set to begin during the week of October 15. The Victoria architecture firm, Lowe Hammond Rowe, envisioned the remodeled branch.
“We are excited to be moving forward with the renovations to the Sidney/North Saanich library,” says VIRL’s Executive Director Rosemary Bonanno. “Being able to take advantage of local South Island expertise, from the architects to the contractor to the workers themselves, is a boon for our organization and the labour market in this area.”
Once the renovations are complete, the building’s infrastructure will have updated electrical, lighting, HVAC, windows, and more. The library’s interior will also be refreshed, made more accessible, and modernized.
Upgrades include:
- Remodeled youth and adult sections
- Fireplace lounge area
- Additional computers and a new laptop bar
- Additional study and lounge seating
- New flooring, lighting, and paint
- New furniture and shelving
- Improved layout to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
- Enclosed book-drop
- Assistive computer station for people with vision, hearing, and other impairments
- Accessible customer service desk
The project’s budget of $2 million includes all aspects of the renovation. The Town of Sidney will finance the cost of accessible washrooms and other upgrades to the building’s common area.
The projected completion timeline has been shortened from its original target of June to mid-May, 2019.
A temporary library is open at Unit 1A – 2353 Bevan Avenue (Bevan Square), offering holds pick up, public computers, WiFi and a small collection. Sidney/North Saanich cardholders also have access to VIRL’s entire floating collection and digital resources for the duration of the renovation.
Proposed renderings of the renovated space are included with this release and a short video is available online.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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For more Information
David Carson
Director, Corporate Communications and Strategic Initiatives
250.753.1154 ex 248
Cell: 250.327.3651
dcarson@virl.bc.ca
