It might not be a surprise, according to Krista Robinson, Stratford Public Library (SPL) CEO, but the library is severely undersized for the community.
“The library’s current 12,472 metric square feet is undersized by 70 per cent for our current population,” Robinson said at last night’s regular city council meeting. “By 2042, if we do nothing to address the space needs, it’s projected we will only be 20 per cent of the size … we should be.”
In a presentation on the library’s new strategic priorities, Robinson revealed that a space needs study was conducted by Lemay, an architecture and design company, and they have subsequently published that report.
The report, listed in the agenda package of the May library board meeting, states that for a population of Stratford’s size, the library should be over double the size it is now. There is an approximate 20,000 square foot deficit in the library.
“This space deficit creates significant impacts and risks for the organization,” the report reads. “It should be noted however that the library staff has tried every possible layout and programming combination, playing an ongoing game of Tetris to get the most of what space they do have.”
In the report, one staff member, who is unnamed, is quoted as saying “the building is killing us.”
Some of the issues noted in the report:
- The building interferes with wireless signals and limits the ability to update the wiring
- There is not enough space for proper storage of cleaning materials and supplies
- A lack of a shipping and receiving facility creates an excessive amount of material handling by staff (this can increase the risk of workplace injury for staff members and theft)
- A distinct lack of accessibility (the current fire safety plan requires staff to leave a patron with accessibility issues in the auditorium on the third floor, in the event of a fire)
- The legal risks posed by accessibility issues, even as an older building grandfathered in, increase year over year
- Staff have had to sacrifice program spaces to create workspaces
- SPL is forced to cull books after not being used for only two years, due to a lack of space (resulting in approximately $18,000 of assets being removed annually)
- There are only four parking spaces
This is not the first time a space needs study was conducted. A report by Ventin in 2003 noted a similar story.
“The library has truly far and long outgrown its space,” the 2003 report reads. “Each year it gets worse.”
Numerous options for moving forward are listed in the report, though all of them see the library expanding out from its historic location on St. Andrew Street. The Grand Trunk Block, the Normal School, and “big box” opportunities in the east end of the city were identified as possible options.
On SPL’s part, the lack of space identified in the Lemay report is informing its priorities for the next four years, running from 2023 to 2026.
The first point of the strategic plan is to align space with demand.
Other priorities included reaching out and bringing in, leading grounded practices, and building sustainable partnerships to expand capacity.
One of the points reiterated again and again in the report is the passion staff have for public service and the performance of the library despite these hurdles. That sentiment was echoed by council.
After Robinson's presentation, praise for the library came from Mayor Martin Ritsma and Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach, who advocated for further discussion.
"I's such a critical community resource for Stratford," Coun. Burbach said. "It's really important for us to recognize as council. As we move forward with different projects, including the Grand Trunk Community Hub, the library should be included in those discussions for sure."
