Vernon to get new library

Kelowna Daily Courier: o2.22, 2010
“The Okanagan Regional Library Board is very happy that this community will be able to receive the level of service it deserves,” said board chairman Ted Bacigalupo Monday morning as he announced plans for a new $11-million library branch for Greater Vernon. The new library will more than double the size of the present building, and will be built on property sold to the library for $10 by the City of Vernon. Financing for the project will be arranged through the North Okanagan Regional District, which has applied to the Municipal Finance Authority for the funds. “The decision to proceed was unanimously approved by members of NORD,” said Herman Halvorson, NORD chairman. “By applying on behalf of the ORL, they are able to borrow the funds at a very competitive rate, and the taxpayers will save money.”

Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert said the decision to sell the property, located at 30th Avenue and 28th Street, was made two weeks ago. “The land was purchased in the ’80s for a proposed traffic solution, but wasn‘t used,” said Lippert. The project will need to go through an alternative approval process, which Halverson said will save money compared to the cost holding a referendum Under the AAP, 10 per cent of eligible voters sign a petition to stop the process. “The new library will not result in an increase in taxes for Vernon,” said Lippert.

Lippert said there are no immediate plans for the current library space once the new building opens, but added city staff are currently housed in leased offices around the city and consolidating them is a priority. Vernon branch head Maureen Curry said she looks forward to having more space. “We are absolutely thrilled we‘ll be able to offer our customers more comfort and expanded services in the new building. Right now we‘re cramped. There‘s not enough space for meetings or for our collections. And, we squish 80-100 children and parents into our small children‘s area for Monday’s storytime. "The OLR has developed building standards with basic requirements for Internet stations, study areas and children‘s areas.”