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VIRL hosts consultation for public input on new library

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The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) board hosted a public consultation session in Sooke on May 2. They were looking for input from the public on what features would be desired in the new facility. Between 50 and 60 people were at the consultation.

In their opening statements, the representatives from VIRL noted that the 10,000 square foot building will feature wood and natural lighting. Municipal regulations require a minimum of 31 parking spaces.

People who attended the meeting expressed a range of desires: eco-friendly possibly with living walls and environmentally toilets, sound containment, movie-viewing booths and audio-listening stations, break-out and meeting rooms, an auditorium, and local art were all on the wish list. There was also a request for the facilities to be IT-friendly with spaces for teaching and learning. Some expressed amenities ranging from a coffee shop to a tea station. The Library representatives members did note that this is beyond their mandate as a Library Board. There were also a few who expressed a desire to see the building be multiple storeys, beyond the current one they are planning. Again, this was beyond the Library’s mandate.

The representatives did say that solar panels were not currently in the plans, but where they could they would be environmental and forward thinking in designing the building.

In determining the size of the building, they used a standard 0.6 sq foot estimate per person. In determining costs, the calculation is $450 per square foot. The Sooke Library will serve both residents from Port Renfrew through to East Sooke.

VIRL can borrow up to $6 million, and besides the construction of the building they will also be undertaking the clearing and preparing of the land.

The Library will be located on Lot A on Wadams Way, and the address formally will be 6671 Wadams Way.

If you missed this meeting and still want to be heard, you have until May 16 to complete their online survey.

Next, VIRL will be presenting Sooke with drafts and drawings. They anticipate this is five to six weeks away.

The existing Library, which is a rented space, has a lease that expires on December 31, 2018. The current opening date for the new Library is the beginning of 2019.

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