New library on the way

by Bill Everitt CASTANET - Sep 17, 2014 / 8:28 pm

Photo: Bill Everitt

Photo: Bill Everitt

Ground broke today on a new library that will establish a permanent foothold for the Okanagan Regional Library in Summerland. The ORL has been planning an expansion in the District of Summerland for more than 10 years. Today those dreams finally came to realization. The new building will cost about $3.2 million to build, plus the cost of purchasing the land. It is totally funded by ORL membership. ORL communications director Michele Rule said the new building is all about space. "We have an awesome staff, a great collection and really wonderful programs going on, but not enough space in the current library - this new branch is double the size." Rule said that the existing building has been below ORL standards for library-to-community size for a long time. The hold up was lining up the land, finances and partnerships to get it built. "This library will be built and paid for by the Okanagan Regional Library. It's a standalone building but it's here to serve the citizens of Summerland," she said. "We're thrilled, they've been coming out and helping with the design process and I think we're going to end up with a building that really meets the community needs." The new building will have a much bigger meeting area, will feature a lot of glass work and will have a large reader's terrace. Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said this is very big news for Summerland, even if she won't be mayor when it opens. "For me, the important piece was that we got to today, because it's taken so long to get here," she said. "I just couldn't believe it, I was saying 'really? is this really a done deal? It's great." Diana Bennest is a regular user of the library in Summerland and said the new building was absolutely needed. "I think it's a great idea," she said. "Especially with the location, being right across from the pool. It's going to double our capacity, so more books. Also, the staff needs a coffee room and storage." Rule said they're fast tracking the construction process and hope to be opening the doors in May or June of 2015.