QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How much will the renovation cost?
The cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $600,000. As of February 8, 2023 there are commitments of just over $485,000.
What is the fundraising goal?
To meet the cost of the project, the current fundraising goal is $116,000.
Will this project cause my taxes to go up?
No – the total cost of this project will be obtained through donations and grants.
When will the renovation take place?
The majority of the renovation is expected to take place in 2024.
What if you do not obtain the necessary funds?
We are confident we will obtain the necessary funds; however, if we do not, the cost of the project will be reduced. We will decide which elements of the program and design are essential and which we will have to forego at this time in order to meet the budget. We will also aim to add to the project in future years if/when more funds are donated or obtained through grants. In short: we will not spend more than what we have.
Will the Children’s Department be closed during the renovation?
The physical location of the Children’s Department will be closed during the renovation period for approximately 3-4 months. The Children’s Department programs and services will continue in other areas of the library or in other locations in the town. Access to the most popular books/items in the children’s collection will be available. Access to the entire children’s collection will not be available during the renovation period.
Why are you renovating the Children’s Department? No one uses libraries anymore. Everything is on the Internet.
Our Children’s Department is heavily used by parents and children, from tots to teens. We have many programs such as “Mom’s and Tots”, the TD Summer Reading Program, and the After-School Program that are very popular and are relied upon by our community. Not everyone can afford to own books and technology and not all of the children in Kirkland Lake have a safe, educational, and free place to go after school. The Children’s Department serves a vital need for the community to:
- Foster literacy through early reading
- Provide a free, safe, and vibrant space for children to read, play and engage in programs
- Develop children’s creativity through imagination, games, technology, and reading
- Provide a place for children to develop a community outside of school.
The Children’s Department is in need of more space and more functional space. There are so many improvements that can be made to leverage the wonderful programming and services that are already occurring that will meet the needs of the community, especially our children. We also hope that a revitalized Children’s Department will encourage families to relocate to Kirkland Lake.
Have you asked the community what they want and need?
Yes – during the early Fall 2022, the architects were in Kirkland Lake, meeting with parents and children, observing programming, and talking to library staff. Survey questions were posted in the library and on the TKL website, inviting the community for their input. This input will/has been incorporated into the design. The architects will provide a design for the community to review and provide comments.
Who is working on the project and what experience do they have?
A skilled team is working together on the initial phase of the renovation and includes the architectural firm of Perkins and Will, the CEO of the Teck Centennial Library, staff of the Children’s Department, volunteers on the Board, a private donor with significant experience working with fundraising and operations of Libraries, and Municipal Staff who are contributing in the roles of Project Manager, Procurement, Risk Management, Communications and Finance.