WOODLAWN PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS & UPDATES April 6, 2009

Study Purpose  To evaluate service constraints associated with the existing Woodlawn branch  To consult with library users and the community concerning current and future needs  To recommend a preferred option for an expansion or replacement library of 12,000 sq. ft.  To evaluate potential sites and recommend a preferred site  To develop a functional space program  To establish preliminary capital costs and implementation plan

Study Process

Library Design / Development Contemporary Libraries Are:  Focal Points in the Community  Accessible, Comfortable, Welcoming  High Profile, Attractive, Visible  Multi-Service Providers  Centres for Technology and Innovation  Part of an Active Service Hub  Focused on Customer Service  Efficient to Operate, Convenient to Use

Study Considerations  The Best Location to Serve Current and Future Users  Population Growth/Changes in Communities Served by the Woodlawn Library  Available Locations and Possible Development Partners  Changing Library Needs and Interests  Changing Expectations of Users

Design Principles  Operationally Efficient Design  Designed to Maximize User Convenience, Flexibility and Multiple Uses  Designed for the Seamless Integration of Technology  Designed as an Accessible, Attractive and Welcoming Community Hub  Designed for Sustainability

Shortlisted Locations Initial Shortlist (Summer ‘08)  Woodlawn Mall  Penhorn Mall Additional Site (Fall ‘08 – Previously Unavailable)  Empire Theatre

Comparative Site Evaluation Criteria  Process to rank remaining sites  Criteria –Access (Weight = Medium, 2) –Visibility (Weight = Medium, 2) –Compatible Use (Weight = Low, 1) –Centrality (Weight = High, 3) –Major Partnership Potential (Weight = Low, 1) –Distance from Other Branches (Weight = High, 3) –Complementary Use (Weight = High, 3)  Scoring –3,2,1,0 (3 = fulfils the criteria, 0 = not at all)

What We’ve Been Up To  Detailed examination of short-listed sites  Negotiations with landlords  Architectural / Mechanical / Electrical Plans developed  Notification to staff and landlord

Comparative Evaluation Results Access Weight = 2 Visibility Weight = 2 Compatible Use Weight = 1 Centrality Weight = 3 Partner Weight = 1 Distance from Other Branches Weight = 3 Comple- mentary Uses Weight = 3 Score Empire Theatre Penhorn Mall Woodlawn Mall Option

Where We’re Going Existing Woodlawn Library Empire Theatre

Where We’re Going

Features for the New Library  17,700 square foot space for the Library; 6,000 square foot space for Collection Management  High quality stand-alone building  2 self-check out machines  Defined areas for Children, Teens and Adults  Large program room and 100-seat theatre  Seating and study areas  Indoor and outdoor book returns  Free public parking; pedestrian and bus access  Larger materials collection  Computer Area

Next Steps  Final lease negotiation  Approval by the Halifax Regional Library Board and Municipal Council  Interior design and layout  Packing and moving

Time Line  May through September: Construction and renovations  October – Library installation and preparations for opening  November – Move in!

Thank You