A bigger, better George Mackie Library could be on the horizon.
A motion by Jeannie Kanakos approved by council this week during discussion on Delta’s new library plan will see the city exploring how to improve the library.
Kanakos noted the library has “a significant gap in the level of service offered to residents in North Delta” based on an assessment on Delta’s three libraries in Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta.
The plan notes that the 11,400 square feet, the North Delta library is undersized relative to the population served. North Delta has around 55,000 people, more than Ladner and Tsawwassen combined, but has just one library compared to each South Delta community having its own. The demographic of North Delta is also different including 33 per cent of the population being immigrants, many of which have arrived in the last five years.
The plan notes the optimal size would be in the 16,000-to-24,000 square foot range. The civic politicians wouldn't say whether improvements to service will also include potentially expanding the current space or building an entirely new facility.
The library plan also includes exploring options for relocating the Tsawwassen Library from its current location at the Town Centre Mall to a municipally-owned facility. That branch is the only one in Delta in rented space.
The library plan has a long list of other items including exploring options to increase parking, building improvements, providing more flexible spaces and improving the computer systems. For the immediate future, additional money has been allocated for furniture, lighting fixtures.
The plan notes that over the last decade the libraries have evolved in response to changing customer needs and expectations including becoming more important as community spaces.
The plan is in collaboration with the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
