A Quick Update on the Expansion Project
May 24, 2009
Media Release
Library funding “Great news” for community
For immediate release
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says Friday’s $3 million funding announcement means shovels could be in the ground for a library expansion as early as next year. “The library expansion will offer more space, better facilities and improved programs. It’s great news for our community and great news for our residents’ commitment to life-long learning,” says Ireland.
Friday’s announcement earmarked $1.5 million in federal “Economic Action Plan” funding and an equal amount in ‘Alberta Capital Plan’ funding for the project. A $300,000 fundraising commitment from the Jasper Municipal Library Board and $1.2 million from the Municipality will make up the balance.
Director of Library Services Judy Krefting says the Library Board is delighted with the news. “This is exciting news for the library,” says Krefting, “but it’s even more exciting for the community. This is a renovation that can meet community needs for the next 20 years.” The project will expand library floor space to 9925 sq ft from the current 3740 sq. ft.
Krefting says the added space and improved facilities will address concerns rising from a 2004 library standards assessment showing the Jasper Municipal Library is undersized for community needs. In addition to greater space for books and resources, the new building will include programming space in the children’s area, space for teen library users, a location for the French Resource Centre, and expanded space for internet users.
The building housing the Jasper Municipal Library was constructed in the 1920s to house RCMP detachment offices and member accommodations. The library moved into the building after it was vacated by the RCMP in 1975. The 2004/2005 Community Facility Review recommended that the library remain in this location.
Krefting says respecting the building’s heritage character will be a priority in the new development: “We’ll be working closely with Parks Canada to ensure heritage values in the building are protected.”
Preliminary plans and drawings have been completed, and work will begin this fall to refine those concept drawings into working plans. Construction is expected to begin in 2010.
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For more information, contact: Judy Krefting, Director of Library Services, 780-852-3652.
