WOODLAWN PUBLIC LIBRARYNEWS & UPDATES

April 6, 2009

Study Purpose

To evaluate service constraints associated with the existing Woodlawn branch

To consult with library users and the community concerning current and future needs

To recommend a preferred option for an expansion or replacement library of 12,000 sq. ft.

To evaluate potential sites and recommend a preferred site

To develop a functional space program

To establish preliminary capital costs and implementation plan

Study Process

Library Design / Development

Contemporary Libraries Are: Focal Points in the Community Accessible, Comfortable, Welcoming High Profile, Attractive, Visible Multi-Service Providers Centres for Technology and Innovation Part of an Active Service Hub Focused on Customer Service Efficient to Operate, Convenient to Use

Study Considerations

The Best Location to Serve Current and Future Users

Population Growth/Changes in Communities Served by the Woodlawn Library

Available Locations and Possible Development Partners

Changing Library Needs and Interests

Changing Expectations of Users

Design Principles

Operationally Efficient Design

Designed to Maximize User Convenience, Flexibility and Multiple Uses

Designed for the Seamless Integration of Technology

Designed as an Accessible, Attractive and Welcoming Community Hub

Designed for Sustainability

Shortlisted Locations

Initial Shortlist (Summer ‘08)

Woodlawn Mall

Penhorn Mall

Additional Site (Fall ‘08 – Previously Unavailable)

Empire Theatre

Comparative Site Evaluation Criteria

Process to rank remaining sites Criteria

– Access (Weight = Medium, 2)

– Visibility (Weight = Medium, 2)

– Compatible Use (Weight = Low, 1)

– Centrality (Weight = High, 3)

– Major Partnership Potential (Weight = Low, 1)

– Distance from Other Branches (Weight = High, 3)

– Complementary Use (Weight = High, 3)

Scoring– 3,2,1,0 (3 = fulfils the criteria, 0 = not at all)

What We’ve Been Up To

Detailed examination of short-listed sites

Negotiations with landlords

Architectural / Mechanical / Electrical Plans developed

Notification to staff and landlord

Comparative Evaluation Results

Access Weight = 2

Visibility Weight = 2

Compatible Use

Weight = 1

Centrality Weight = 3

Partner Weight = 1

Distance from Other Branches Weight = 3

Comple-mentary

Uses Weight = 3

Score

Empire Theatre

3

6

2

4

3

3

2

6

0

0

2

6

3

9

15

34

Penhorn Mall

3

6

3

6

3

3

1

3

1

1

1

3

3

9

15

31

Woodlawn Mall

Option 2

2

4

2

4

2

2

2

6

0

0

2

6

3

9

13

31

Where We’re Going

Existing Woodlawn Library

Empire Theatre

Where We’re Going

Where We’re Going

Features for the New Library

17,700 square foot space for the Library; 6,000 square foot space for Collection Management

High quality stand-alone building 2 self-check out machines Defined areas for Children, Teens and Adults Large program room and 100-seat theatre Seating and study areas Indoor and outdoor book returns Free public parking; pedestrian and bus access Larger materials collection Computer Area

Next Steps

Final lease negotiation

Approval by the Halifax Regional Library Board and Municipal Council

Interior design and layout

Packing and moving

Time Line

May through September: Construction and renovations

October – Library installation and preparations for opening

November – Move in!

Thank You