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Brentwood Branch Renovation & Expansion Project
(2010 to 2012): Q&A

What is happening at Brentwood Branch?

Brentwood Branch is scheduled to undergo a major renovation and expansion. City Council approved the capital budget for this work and we expect the project will go out to tender in 2010 and that construction will start shortly thereafter.

When was this project approved?

The project was approved in 2007. Following public consultations in 2007 and 2008, the design was completed and applications were submitted for the necessary permits and approvals.

What is the current status of the project?

The minor variances required to proceed with this project were approved by the Committee of Adjustment on October 22, 2009. There has been an appeal of this decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. The building plans were considered at an OMB hearing held on January 21, 2010 and a decision is pending.

Why are we renovating and expanding?

Toronto Public Library is committed to creating and revitalizing dynamic, innovative public spaces in Toronto.

Brentwood Branch is a busy library, over 50 years old and was last renovated in 1988. It is in need of state of good repair and accessibility improvements. Brentwood Branch serves a community of over 100,000 residents and has outgrown its ability to provide effective public library service and to meet the demands of the community in the current facility.

How will the renovation benefit me?

The public can look forward to many wonderful service upgrades and additions when the renovated and expanded branch reopens in 2012. Some of these include:

• More public space: The renovation will expand the branch from 13,615 to 17,500 square feet, an increase of almost 30%.
• A building the community can be proud of: A beautifully expanded and fully accessible facility, with increased street presence.
• Your home away from home: A newly created Urban Living Room featuring comfortable lounge space with current popular reading and audio visual materials (including bestsellers, CDs, magazines and DVDs).
• Something special for the kids: a new KidsStop - KidsStops are interactive early literacy centres where caregivers can learn about the importance of developing pre-literacy skills in their children.
• A place for programs and a community meeting space: The renovation will increase size of the program room and add kitchen facilities.
• More computers: The expansion will allow the library to add more public computer workstations.
• A place to learn: A new Computer Le@rning Centre and more quiet study space.
• A cool place to hang out: A new teen zone.
• Convenience: Interior and exterior book-drops for library returns and new express check-out.
• A real hot spot in the community: Wireless Internet access.

Who is designing the renovated branch?

Toronto Public Library has selected the firm Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc to design the renovation and expansion.

What are their credentials?

The award winning work of architectural firm Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc is well known to Torontonians. They designed the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Library projects include Toronto Public Library’s Maria A. Shchuka Branch and Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre as well as Vaughan’s Pierre Berton Resource Library and the Cornwall Central Library.

How much will the renovation cost?

The budget for the renovation is estimated at $6.17 million.

Will the Branch be closed during the renovation?

Yes. It is expected that Brentwood Branch will close in 2010 and reopen in 2012.

Is the Library accepting donations to the Brentwood Branch renovation & expansion?

Yes. Members of the public who are interested in donating funds to the Brentwood Branch renovation and expansion project are invited to contact the Toronto Public Library Foundation at 416-393-7123. We are not accepting any book or material donations.

If I wish to speak with anyone regarding the renovation and expansion, whom should I call?

Contact the Area Manager, Cheryl Skovronek at 416-394-5005 or email cskovronek@torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Who should the media contact about the renovation and expansion?

Edward Karek, Communications Officer, at 416-397-5925 or email ekarek@torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Updated on: January 28, 2010

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