‘Library Commons’ will be name of new public space beside Peterborough Public Library

Most popular of seven options opened up to public voting by naming sponsor LLF Lawyers

By kawarthaNOW -
Published
"Library Commons" will be the name of the new public space at the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets, part of the City of Peterborough's redevelopment plans for the Peterborough Public Library. Renovations of the library building were completed earlier this year, and the newly renovated library opened to the public on January 30, 2018. (Photo; Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
"Library Commons" will be the name of the new public space at the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets, part of the City of Peterborough's redevelopment plans for the Peterborough Public Library. Renovations of the library building were completed earlier this year, and the newly renovated library opened to the public on January 30, 2018. (Photo; Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

The new public space at the southwest corner of Simcoe and Aylmer streets, beside the newly renovated Peterborough Public Library in downtown Peterborough, will be named “Library Commons”.

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LLF Lawyers invites public to name Peterborough’s new public square

The City of Peterborough and LLF Lawyers made the announcement today (April 25) after three weeks of public voting on one of seven possible preselected names. Of more than 500 votes cast for the seven names, “Library Commons” was the most popular at 186 votes — edging out the next most popular option “Firehouse Square” by 32 votes.

The voting results are as follows: Library Commons (186 votes), Firehouse Square (154 votes), Robertson Davies Square (102 votes), Carnegie Square (42 votes), Brigade Square (35 votes), W.A. Howard Commons (10 votes), and Dr. Thomas Greer Square (9 votes).

When the square opens to the public, a plaque will be installed commemorating this community space with the name “Library Commons”. An official opening ceremony will be held once the development of the square is complete.

“Thank you to LLF Lawyers for partnering with the city on the creation of Library Commons,” says Mayor Daryl Bennett. “The public square is another example of engaging with residents, community groups, and the private sector as we build a complete community,”

Architect's concept drawing of the new public plaza to be adjacent to the new Peterborough Public Library, with Bethune Street at the left (west), Alymer Street at the right (east), and Simcoe Street at the top (north). (Drawing: Daniel J. O'Brien & Associates)
Architect’s concept drawing of the new public plaza to be adjacent to the new Peterborough Public Library, with Bethune Street at the left (west), Alymer Street at the right (east), and Simcoe Street at the top (north). (Drawing: Daniel J. O’Brien & Associates)

LLF Lawyers sponsored the new public space with $100,000 over 20 years, securing the naming rights from the city for the space. Instead of choosing to name the space itself, the legal firm worked with city staff to compile a short list of seven names that reflect the community’s heritage and history and demonstrate a commitment to public access to and use of the space.

“The name identifies well with the geographical area of our community and reflects the importance of our new public library,” says Bill Lockington, a partner with LLF Lawyer. “‘Meet me at the Library Commons’ will become a familiar expression, encouraging public gathering at the square.”

Some members of the community have criticized the naming process, stating that the name of a female or Indigenous leader in the Peterborough area should have been included among the options.

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