The Ottawa Public Library board will spend $6 million to renovate its downtown branch on Metcalfe Street.
A structural assessment commissioned by the library board in September 2011 found that the building is structurally sound, however millions of dollars in repairs are needed to maintain the building.
The assessment outlined the renovations needed to maintain the building over the next 10 years.
The library’s main branch needs improvements to its electrical system, stairs, elevators and even its windows.
While the building can be improved there’s no room for significant expansion.
During the most recent board meeting on Sept. 10 trustees voted on a motion to build a new library instead of pursuing renovations, but the motion was defeated by a vote of 5-7.
Library board assistant Elaine Condos said the decision is not final.
“They could have a discussion about it.”
The board will decide on the next steps of the renovation project during a board meeting scheduled for Nov. 19, said Danielle McDonald, the CEO of the library.
“All we did so far was review the report. We will have a lot more to say in November,” she said.
On top of the repairs, the library will have to make some improvements related to the accessibility of the building as required by a recent provincial law.
The cost of these improvements is still unknown and would have to be added to the bill, which is currently estimated at $6.2 million.
Judy Bernstein, the director of an association for people with developmental disabilities in Ottawa, said the accessibility improvements won’t be enough. As the capital city’s main public library, she said it should provide a lot more for disabled people.
“Nowadays new technologies can really help people, for instance touch screens or bigger keyboards make it easier for people with visual disabilities to access culture,” she said.
Bernstein says that making the place more accessible should be the board’s priority.
“Accessibility for seniors and people with physical disabilities should be a given,” she said.