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Bing Thom Architects' Concept for City Centre Library:
At the Feb. 1, 2010 City Council meeting, approval was given for an extra $6 million for the City Centre Library. This will allow for design and construction of an additional 10,000 square feet of space, resulting in a building of approximately 75,000 square feet. The additional space means that future expansion of the Library will be much easier.
The final determination of exactly how much of the building will be completed for Library use is still pending until the exact costing has been determined. Whatever space is not finished for immediate library use will be leased.
Council also approved the construction of one level of underground parking. Additional parking will be constructed as part of the City Centre development project.
News Release - November 18
Next Great Metro Centre: Surrey Awards Design Contract for New Library
Surrey Public Library Board: Vision Statement for the City Centre Library
Surrey’s new City Centre Library will be a unique state-of-the art environmentally friendly landmark that provides access to the broadest range of information, learning opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences. The new City Centre Library will be:
- The centrepiece for Surrey’s City Centre; adorned in architectural excellence for the 21st century, the library will contribute to the vitality of the City and put Surrey in a class with other great cities.
- A foundation for the City’s future success by boosting economic and cultural activity and attracting visitors from all parts of the country.
- A source of pride and a great public space, where the community gathers to celebrate, reflect, connect and share information, knowledge, and culture.
- A trusted centre that inspires learning and knowledge exchange, empowers people and encourages open dialogue.
(Adopted by Surrey Public Library Board September 27, 2007)
On Friday, September 25, 2009 MLA Dona Cadman and Mayor Dianne Watts announced that funding for a new $30 million library has been secured. The City of Surrey, the Province of British Columbia and the federal government will each contribute one third towards the cost.
The new library will be located in City Centre, near to the Surrey Central Skytrain station. The new library will offer expanded collections, a Literacy Centre that will include an electronic classroom for training purposes, small and large community meeting spaces, wi-fi access and many other services.
“Libraries generate a lot of foot traffic, with over 2.6 million people visiting our libraries every year”, says Beth Barlow, Chief Librarian. “We anticipate that the new Library at City Centre will bring additional vitality to this rapidly changing neighbourhood and help to create a focus for downtown Surrey.”
Watch this space for more information, as details become available.