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New library plan on the books

Some councillors want a new location

Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 05/01) - The Yellowknife public library could get some much needed renovations over the next few years.

Councillors endorsed a $400,000, 16-year improvement plan for the library at a committee meeting Tuesday.

The plan -- detailed in a $38,000 study -- will go before city council for approval next Monday.

"This is one of the fundamental services in the city," said Coun. Ben McDonald.

The plan breaks down into three phases.

The first phase spans six years, ending in 2006, and features $186,000 in improvements.

It calls for a street-level entrance, renovations to the front desk, new stacks, relocation of shelves and reading areas, replacing carpets and repainting.

The second and third phases, which run 10 years and wrap up in 2016, include expansion and laying down new carpeting.

Some city councillors would like to see those renovations in a different building.

Many said they don't like the library's current location.

"I thought it was important we look at ways to relocate the library so it has street-level access," said Coun. Kevin O'Reilly. "That would re-markably increase usage."

Coun. Alan Woytuik voiced similar concerns. He would like to see the library relocated in the next five years.

"I've never been in support of its current location," Woytuik. "It makes sense to (relocate) before you spend a whole lot of money."

But other councillors would rather see the city use what it has.

"It's better to make it as useful as possible," said McDonald.

"(Relocation) is a longer term thing," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem. "Right now we're we stand we own the space. As demand increases, we'll move on," said Van Tighem.