Public support strong for library services in downtown core: survey
By Kira Locken
A new survey shows that many people still want library services in the downtown core after the Main branch of the Ottawa Public Library is closed and a planned new Central Library is built on the eastern edge of LeBreton Flats.
The survey is being conducted by the Centretown Citizens Community Association, which was a strong opponent of the original proposal to locate the Central Library west of Bronson Avenue and close the Main branch on Metcalfe Street.
The decision to build the Central Library at a site on Wellington Street was announced a year ago, despite much opposition. The community association tasked its special library committee in October with setting up a survey online to seek out the opinions of Centretown residents on whether they’d like to keep some library services in the downtown core.
As of January 8, 207 people had participated in the survey, with 201 voting in favour of keeping library services in the vicinity of the current Main branch in the city’s central business district.
The survey can be accessed through the association’s website.
Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, the only member of city council to oppose the decision to locate the Central Library west of Bronson, has suggested that the first floor of Ottawa’s Normal School — an Elgin Street heritage building also known as the former Ottawa Teacher’s College — could be used as a mini-branch of the library.
McKenney could not be reached for comment on the CCCA survey.
The survey asks respondents whether or not they support library services in Centretown and, depending on the response, lists a number of statements from which to choose.
A majority of participants said they’re concerned about the distance to the new site, which would be a 19-minute walk from the current library at the corner of Metcalfe Street and Laurier Avenue.
Respondents also said it would be better to have a downtown branch so that they could combine library visits with other daily errands. They also said that downtown services would be easier to access through public transportation.
The survey further indicated that a majority of participants said they would use services at a downtown site more often than those at the new Wellington Street location.
Participants highlighted concerns about the availability of books, CDs, DVDs and newspapers, pick up and drop off sites, reading and community meeting space, a child section, courses, social events and free computer and internet access.
The library committee declined to comment in detail about the survey results as they are currently being analyzed and will be shared with association members.
Several steps will have to be taken before construction can begin at the Wellington site. These include the selection of possible architectural teams, a process that began last May with the city issuing a Request for Qualification. Once a list of five possible design teams is created, they will be required to submit proposals for the site design.
The City of Ottawa is also waiting for Library and Archives Canada to indicate whether it will join with the Ottawa Public Library in providing public services within the new Central Library. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson recently said the upcoming federal budget — now scheduled to be announced on Feb. 27 — will determine whether LAC partners with the city in the Central Library project.