The text of our presentation FRPL to Catalyst Committee, Oct 20, 2022 – Final
A display about libraries that have made additions to their buildings instead of tearing them down. FRPL Library Additions Display for Catalyst Ctte Oct 20, 2022
Tag Archives: RPL
FRPL submissions to Catalyst Committee
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged City of Regina, Friends of the Regina Public Library, FRPL, library, Regina Public Library, RPL
Tours of Central: Oct 25 to 29
Regina Public Library is hosting tours from Oct 25 to 29, 2022 “to share information about the history of the building and some of the issues we are facing. Join us for a guided tour to hear about key concerns and remediation RPL has been undertaking to keep it safe. There will be opportunity to ask questions along the way. This tour provides a chance to learn more about the Central Library Renewal (CLR) project, one of the infrastructure projects being reviewed by the City of Regina’s Catalyst Committee. Tours begin in the lobby and will last approximately one hour. Tues, Oct 25 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Wed, Oct 26 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Wed, Oct 26 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Thurs, Oct 27 6:00pm – 7:00pm, Sat, Oct 29 10:00am – 11:00am For more information, and to register for a tour: https://central.reginalibrary.ca/” You must preregister – have your library card handy or be prepared to sign up for one.
Note that these tours are supposed to talk about the heritage aspects of the building, but their main focus will be on the problems with the building, to justify the RPL Board’s decision to tear it down. So be prepared for this line of thought, and your questions about the building.
Deadline Oct 31st: letters to Catalyst Committee
Deadline Oct 31st: Send presentations that were given to the RPL Board, presentations given at Catalyst Committee and other thoughts to Catalyst Committee.
It has been suggested to us that it would be good to have your presentations and letters sent to the Catalyst Committee by the end of October.
Send to: Attention Co-chairs Tim Reid + Bob Hawkins at catalyst@regina.ca and
Tim Reid at tim.reid@real1884.ca and dakota.schmidt@real1884.ca
Bob Hawkins at bhawkins@regina.ca
Cc: Regina City Council Clerks at clerks@regina.ca – to forward to Mayor and all Council.
Library at Catalyst Committee Oct. 20th
Just posted by the City of Regina on Friday at 2:30 (ish) pm before the long weekend, a media release outlining the “opportunity” of 4 hours time to comment on the RPL proposal about Central Library. This Committee will make recommendations to the City of Regina about City support of major projects, including Central Library.
Regina Residents Invited to Provide Input on Once-in-a-Generation Catalyst Committee Projects, October 7, 2022
- Consultations will be from 11 am to 1 pm and 5 to 7 pm from Oct. 17 to 20
- Central Library will be discussed on Oct. 20
- People can go there and make a presentation – apparently a 30-minute time limit.
- Currently there is no arrangement for broadcasting the event on the internet, so no ability to make a presentation or to hear what is being said.
- People can create display storyboards for display, to be at the AGT location by Friday Oct 14 (presumably at close of the business day?).
- There is no downtown location for a discussion of the downtown.
- There will be a BEHEARD survey on the City of Regina website (www.beheard.regina.ca/catalyst-committee) starting on October 17th.
- You can currently send them questions now.
- In an interview with Paul Dechene of Prairie Dog Magazine, Councillor Hawkins, co-chair of the Catalyst Committee, said they will be accepting written submissions. Written submissions or questions should be emailed to clerks@regina.ca with the subject line as Catalyst Committee.
- Paul Dechene’s Oct. 6th interview “Catalyst Committee Interview With Councillor Hawkins” where the goals of the Committee are explained. Queen City Improvement Bureau Podcasts http://queencityib.com/podcasts/2022/10/7/oct-07-2022-catalyst-committee-interview-with-councillor-hawkins
Actions to preserve Central Library
We would encourage the preservation of Heritage and Rehabilitation of RPL’s Central Library, a more environmental and less costly solution. https://friendsofrpl.ca/central-branch-2021/why-retaining-buildings-is-a-better-plan/
Examples of rehabilitation and additions to library buildings https://friendsofrpl.ca/central-branch-2021/library-additions-examples/
URGENT! Express your views:
- Letters to the Editor in Leader Post. Send to: letters@LeaderPost.com. 250 word limit. Name and phone number. Send to national papers.
- Letters, emails or phone calls to the Mayor and all City Councillors https://www.regina.ca/about-regina/contact-us/contact-councillor/ or contact City Clerks clerks@regina.ca Clerks Office will forward emails, including longer ones, PDFs, or documents with photos that don’t fit into the online form. Mayor Masters and Councillor Findura are also on the RPL Board, and voted against the RPL Board motion. Councillor Hawkins is co-chair of the Catalyst Committee. Phone numbers and contact information for City Councillors CITY COUNCILLORS CONTACT INFO – Oct. 3, 2022
- Letters, emails or phone calls to the RPL Board therplboard@reginalibrary.ca , or by post to: Regina Public Library, CEO’s Office, 2311 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3Z5
- Send questions and comments or comment online to programs such as CBC Morning Edition, and other local news TV and radio shows.
- Are you willing to be interviewed by the media – many voices make light work!
- Contact other groups, organizations or individuals who could help address this issue.
- Please forward copies of your letters to FRPL, and let us know if we have your permission to share on our website and on our Facebook page. frpl@sasktel.net
- Attend the Catalyst Committee’s public consultations, to be held in October.
RPL Vote Sept. 27, 2022
On Tuesday September 27th the RPL Board voted to demolish Central Library building and build a completely new building on the same site. However, the recommendations of the City’s Catalyst Committee, heritage designations and public views can still have a major influence on the next steps for Central Library.
On the 27th, after hearing presentations from members of the public asking for a delay in the vote to give people more time to review the reports related to the future of the Central Library building, the Board still went ahead and voted in favour of a tear down and construction of a new building.
The Motions: Three motions were passed by the RPL Board on Sept. 27. Six Board members voted in favour (See list of Board members https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership ) Mayor Masters and Councillor Findura voted against all the motions. Final votes were 6 to 2 on the motions.
That the Regina Public Library Board concur in the Central Library Renewal Needs Assessment and Project Plan conclusion that “A New Build option is the preferred approach to meet project outcomes and balance functional needs with value for money” and, further, that the preferred location for a New Build is the historic location on the Library’s property at 12th Avenue and Lorne Street.
Second motion, notes from a recording of the meeting. “… that the determination of next steps be referred to the strategic plan committee” (The proper name of the RPL Committee is the Strategic Planning Committee. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/board-committees
Third motion: For the Board to “… receive and file the Central Library Renewal Needs Assessment and Project Plan, the Stakeholder Engagement Summary and the Polling Report.”
What’s involved with a New Build
With the New Build, something has to be done with the “old” building. The Board voted to build again on the same site, so the site would not be sold.
Description from page 57 of the Needs Assessment and Project Planning report:
Option 6 : Design & Construct New (“New Build”)
Design and construct a purpose built space in downtown Regina to meet the functional and operational requirements of the Central Library
Disposal of the current facility and, if required, site
Selection of appropriate site to meet Central Library requirements
Apply for Library Board by Oct 7
Feel as if you have something to contribute to decision-making at the RPL Board? Enter to gain a chance to be on the RPL Board.
https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/boards-committees-commissions/
Deadline 5 pm Friday Oct 7
Show City Council, who appoints the Library Board, that there are enthusiastic committed people that are independent thinkers and want to contribute to proactive positive decision-making, and be publicly accountable for information sharing and decision making.
Its time for a new Board!
“Learn more and apply online”
http://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Board/Vacant
| Regina Public Library BoardThe Board is responsible for the operations of public libraries and sets policy for the management of the Regina Public Library, as set out under The Public Libraries Act, 1996. Term of Reference: The Board is responsible for the general management, regulation and control of the Public Library. The Board may establish committees which are tied to the Board’s core responsibilities and which support the work of the Board. Responsible for the operation of the public libraries within the City of Regina. Committees will assist the Board by preparing policy alternatives, identifying implications for Board deliberation, and monitoring performance within its defined areas of responsibility. Composition: The Board consists of: six or eight members, as determined by City Council, appointed by Council from among the resident electros of the City of Regina.Term Limit: 2 year Terms, unlimited number of Terms. Vacant Positions: Citizen Member 4No additional qualifications are required for this Position Available from 01/01/2024 |
Qualifications for Positions on the Board:
* How can you contribute to the above committee?
* List your skills, experience & other qualifications relating to the Board or Committee
* Names of other boards/committees (not appointed by the City) which you sit on.
Library additions around the world
There have been many libraries that have rehabilitated and expanded their space, showing that we can also do this in Regina, preserving our heritage modernist building, while enhancing the library. These are some examples.
Moose Jaw Public Library
- main library https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/
- Addition to library includes Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery http://www.mjmag.ca/
- History of the Moose Jaw Library. The last paragraph talks about the addition. They were going to build a new building in another location, but instead renovated the original library beautifully and constructed an addition. https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/history-of-the-library
- Also see page 135, Architecture of Saskatchewan, A Visual Journey, 1930 – 2011, by Bernard Flaman, University of Regina, CPRC Press, published 2013. https://saskarchitects.com/celebrating-architecture/architecture-in-saskatchewan/
Winnipeg Millennium Library https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/251-donald-street/
The Patkau rehabilitation of the 1967 Winnipeg Centennial Library. https://www.patkau.ca/projects/winnipeg-millennium-library
Completed in 2005 for $21-million, the Patkau expansion of the Winnipeg Millennium Library added 3,700 square metres (40,000 sq ft) of new space, construction of a new fourth floor, and renovations throughout the existing 10,000-square-metre (110,000 sq ft) library.
Awards: General’s Medal in Architecture (2008); Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal in Architecture (2007); Prairie Design Award (2006); and the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence (2004).
Edmonton Library https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-public-library-reopening-1.5724880 and video https://www.epl.ca/milner-library/ $85 million.
Renos and refurbishments in Toronto libraries https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/renovations/
Runnymede $3.3 million expansion. 2006.Design Excellence Award (2007)Ontario Association of Architects https://www.strattonarchitects.com/runnymede-public-library
Bloor/Gladstone District Library https://www.rdharch.com/bloor-gladstone-library-1 and https://www.archdaily.com/133796/the-bloorgladstone-library-rdh-architects
“The Bloor/Gladstone Branch library project is a renovation and addition to a listed heritage library in downtown Toronto. The architects were commissioned to design for an additional 12,000 sqf, bringing the collection and facilities to a level consistent with that of a Toronto District Library. The final design includes major renovations to the existing building as well as the construction of an addition.” 2009.
Robarts Library, University of Toronto https://dsai.ca/projects/robarts-common/ and https://dailyhive.com/toronto/u-of-t-robarts-library-expansion-renderings ( add 50,000 sq ft.)
“With ample natural light, room for 1,200 students to study in quiet or socialize in soundproofed rooms, and accessible spaces for the entire U of T community, Robarts Common is a human-centred, collaborative area. Opening in advance of the 50th anniversary of Robarts Library, Robarts Common is part of a wider revitalization of the iconic building in the heart of U of T’s downtown campus.” https://defygravitycampaign.utoronto.ca/news-and-stories/official-opening-of-robarts-common/
OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design), Toronto https://all.design/willalsop/ocad
Another possibility would be to build up on the west lot and partially over the current building. The addition by architect Will Alsop to the Ontario College of Art is a striking example of what could be done. Described as a flying box-on-legs” it definitely has a “buzzy vibe” (link to site -Will Alsop on 10 Years of OCAD U’s Sharp Centre for Design) https://www.designlinesmagazine.com/will-alsop-10-years/ .
Hamilton Central Library https://www.rdharch.com/hamilton-central-library-and-farmers-market-1.
“This major renovation in downtown Hamilton rejuvenates the existing facility through the reorganisation of both program elements: the first two stories are re-clad in glazed curtain wall while an addition is placed at the northwest corner to reconfigure the main entry. The resulting transparent, glowing, horizontal slab reconnects the library to the market and to the new street edge, projecting the life and vitality of the library and market the city and its inhabitants. “
Awards: 2014 Chicago Athenaeum International Award of Excellence, 2012 Ontario Library Association Award of Excellence, 2012 Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Award2011 OAA Award for Design Excellence, 2011 Design Exchange National Bronze Medal,2009 Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence Notable Mention.
The Morgan Library and Museum, New York https://www.themorgan.org/architecture/renzo-piano/expansion
Boston Library https://rawnarch.com/projects/bpl-boylston.html
Beyazit State Library, Istanbul, Turkey https://www.archdaily.com/791885/beyazit-state-library-tabanlioglu-architects
OTHER BUILDING ADDITIONS
Watari Museum of Art, built on a 600 square meter site (about the same size as the Central Library west lot) with 6 floors giving 3600 sq. meters of space. http://www.watarium.co.jp/en/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watari_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art
Statements to Library Board – citizens speak
The following have been submitted to the Regina Public Library Board for their September 27, 2022 meeting, where they propose to vote to demolish Central Library and rebuild.
Friends of the Regina Public Library FRPL to RPL Board Sept 20, 2022 – final to RPL
Florence Stratton Library Board, Central Library
Jeannie Mah RPL Board Central Library Renewal Sept 27 2022
Jim Elliott Letter to RPL Board – September 27, 2022
Jim Holmes Jim Holmes to RPL Board Sept 27, 2022
John Bishop John Bishop – Outreach Room – Sept. 20, 2022 – to RPL Board – rev
Lorne Beug Lorne Beug for RPL Board meeting on 27th Sept 2022
Mark Wihak MW RPL Board letter Sept 2022 3
Robin Clark Letter _ RPL Central Branch
Shawne Arzab Shawne Arzab to RPL Board Sept 20, 2022 final
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Friends of the Regina Public Library, FRPL, Regina Public Library, RPL
Reports on Central Library now available
The reports on the future of Central Library are available on the Regina Public Library website.
Central Library Renewal overview https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/major-projects
Central Library Renewal recent developments and reports https://cld.reginalibrary.ca/
Central Library Reports dating back to 2009 https://cld.reginalibrary.ca/?q=node/18
Note that in August of 2022, 5 reports from 2010 to 2015 were listed, including the “RPL P3 Canada Fund: Round Three Application” of 2011. On September 16, 2022 sixteen reports were listed, minus the P3 Fund application. Twelve reports were made available for the first time. These reports dated back as far as 2009.
It is good to have these reports now.
But why were these reports not made available to the public earlier on?
Friends of the Regina Public Library 