Over the past two weeks, the Peterborough Public Library has been busy moving into its newly renovated and expanded Aylmer Street location.
The $12 million renovation and expansion took 18 months to complete, about six months longer than expected due to unforeseen complications with the building.
New shelving and furniture was installed in December, and the library expects to complete the move of the library collection, office furniture, and other items by Saturday, January 20th.
The library has not yet announced an official grand opening date, but library CEO Jennifer Jones expects the opening will happen during the last week of January.
The Peterborough Square temporary location permanently closed on December 30th (the book drop will remain open there until the renovated library opens).
According to library CEO Jennifer Jones, old shelves and unneeded furniture from the temporary location will first be offered to other departments of the City of Peterborough, and then to other libraries or non-profit organizations.
The renovated library includes 6,000 square feet of new space, for a total of 9,000 square feet of public space.
One of the most striking features of the new library is the prominent and naturally lit central staircase that runs from the library’s street level down to the children’s books area on the lower level. The open concept design allows for a lot of natural light on both levels.
The new location also includes two enclosed individual study rooms on the main level, designed for independent learning and one-on-one meetings, as well as one group study room.
There are also new administration offices, a new café location, and two new accessible elevators.
In the spring, the lot beside the library will be transformed into green space.
On-street parking will be available, as well as a few accessible parking spaces in the green space area when it is completed.
While the books and office furniture are being moved into the new location and library staff stock the new shelves, workers are making finishing touches on the interior in advance of the opening.
