Library workshop a huge success

BY PATTY MINTZ

NovaNewsNow.com

The event “was everything we hoped it would be,” said Frances Schagen, the day after 100 people turned out for a workshop designed to gather ideas and support plans to build a new library in Kentville. “The room was buzzing with ideas.”

Schagen, who chairs the Friends of the Kentville Public Library campaign, said a private reception that drew nearly 70 people was also a huge success.

Architects Brian MacKay-Lyons, Talbot Sweetapple and Eric Stotts of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited were on hand for the event. The firm was chosen recently to design the new library. Gerry Shoalts, a library specialist with Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd. was also in attendance.

“It was a terrific showing of people who were very much supporters of the public library,” said Ginny Evans of the event planning committee. “We were told the energy of everyone in the room was palpable.”

Evans said the fact people were still interacting until after the meeting’s allotted time had passed was proof of the enthusiasm and excitement.

During the first part of the March 25 workshop, the architects did a PowerPoint presentation and lecture about urban planning and the history of libraries. Afterward, participants divided into groups to brainstorm ideas on various elements of the project, including where the new library will be built. Out of seven potential sites, top favourites included an area between the new police station and the old juice plant, and behind the Kings County Museum. Both sites border the Cornwallis River.

Evans said, “people liked these sites because they’re surrounded by green space.”

Discussions also focused on what partner features will be housed within the new library building. An atrium, café, art gallery space, tourism bureau and public meeting room were all well received possibilities.

“There were a lot of great ideas to add some real specialness to the library; to make it a great destination,” Evans said.

The architects, says Schagen, “were stoked. They said the feedback was so insightful they have their work cut out for them to distill it to a few main points. They will be in touch very soon about next steps.”

Evans says another public meeting will be held this spring to discuss, among other things, the library’s external design, with time and date to be announced.

“We look forward to continuing the process as we explore the setting and design of the building,” Schagen said.