A new or newly-expanded Cochrane Public Library is in the works, but the process leading up to the breaking of ground might take a little longer than some would like.
The first step – figuring out what the needs are and how best to address them – is underway, and is scheduled to take up to 18 months to complete.
At a recent Town Council meeting there were no dissenting voices heard as Administration outlined the Cochrane Public Library Facility Needs Assessment and Future Development Plan.
The budget estimated for this comprehensive study, including consulting, community engagement, and assessments is approximately $130,000 to $150,000 over 2025 and 2026.
If approved through the budget process in December, the planning project will begin in 2025 and take 16 to18 months to complete. The project will analyze facility requirements, explore potential partnerships for shared spaces, and assess location feasibility to ensure Cochrane’s library can adapt to evolving needs.
Cochrane Public Library Director Monique Fiedler-Sills was not fazed by the timelines and had a hard time containing her enthusiasm for the news that a newer, larger, better library is on the way.
“We're so thrilled that Administration supported it and that Council is excited for it. We have our patron satisfaction survey happening right now and just some of the comments that I'm seeing, it's the same comments every year. It's just way too small. We need more books. We need more quiet space, we need more. There's one that says it would be nice to have sofas so we can cuddle and read with our little ones,” Fiedler-Sills said.
“But we just don't have the space, so to see them committed to undertaking the assessment to get us where we need to be, which is a facility that can actually meet the needs of one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, that is so thrilling.”
She said she’s had conversations with Mayor Jeff Genung, who is a big fan of the Halifax Public Library, known for it’s innovative approach to what a library can be.
“When you're considering a library these days, it's really not the library from 50 years ago," she said. "It is a community hub, it has multiple uses and it's bringing the whole community together.”
Genung echoed her enthusiasm at the Council meeting, saying he hoped the people doing the assessment looked outside the box when contemplating what to leave in, what to leave out. He said he hoped they asked the question, “What else?”
Cochrane’s library is already much more than a place to go look for books. Patrons can borrow gardening tools, attend talks on a variety of subjects, take seminars, see a puppet show, or just go and work on a puzzle.
Things like critical space constraints and future facility needs will be part of the assessment. Currently, the library is undersized for Cochrane's population, affecting program capacity, collection size, and staff efficiency. This project will identify solutions that support accessible, community-oriented library services.
Potential partnerships with municipal and community organizations will be explored for shared facilities. This may involve exploring a civic center model and co-locating the library alongside other services.
Part of the process will involve studying the existing location and alternatives. Options will be assessed for accessibility, capacity, and alignment with town development plans. The study may also explore satellite branches to enhance community reach.
The library administration and board will serve as primary partners in the assessment process.
Pending Council approval through the budget process, the project will proceed with a request for proposals (RFP) in early 2025, with progress updates at each major milestone. A final report will provide recommendations without committing to any specific model until thorough assessments are complete.
Public engagement with residents, library users, and community groups will be prioritized throughout the project.
The library has also been approved for a grant that will support the facility needs assessment portion of the project.
Part of the report submitted to Council outlined the importance of libraries to fast-growing communities like Cochrane:
“Libraries strengthen connectivity among residents by fostering collaboration through workshops, events, and resources, encouraging partnerships and community involvement that unite diverse groups. Libraries play a crucial role in shaping Cochrane's identity by promoting lifelong learning and cultural awareness, reflecting the town's values of inclusivity and support for personal growth.”
