Expansion and Renovation of Halton Hills Cultural Centre and Halton Hills Public Library-Georgetown Branch

Mayor Rick Bonnette, Members of Council, Members of the Halton Hills Public Library Board, Jane Diamanti, Director of Library Services, and Paul Stover, Manager of Facilities- Town of Halton Hills, joined Library and Cultural Centre staff, volunteers, patrons and community partners for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Halton Hills Cultural Center and Halton Hills Public Library – Georgetown Branch. The renovated and expanded facility, expected to be completed by Fall 2012, will be universally accessible, energy efficient and will boast many structural improvements and innovative uses of technology.

“Today, we’ve embarked on an incredible revitalization of our Library, our Cultural Centre, and our downtown core,” said Mayor Bonnette. “This state-of-the-art facility will bring people downtown to explore the exceptional programs and services at the Library, to enjoy award-winning theatrical productions in the Cultural Centre, and to savour the many enticing options in our local restaurants and shops.”

The Georgetown Library Branch will expand to approximately 34,400 square feet. This new space will allow the Library to house a greater variety of material, offer comfortable study, reading and conversation areas, provide adequate space for programs and better meet the demand for Internet stations. It will also include a seniors’ lounge, a listening/viewing centre, small group study rooms, a local history room and, courtesy of the Friends of the Library, a double-sided fireplace.

“The renewed and expanded Georgetown branch will not only provide all the services expected of a modern public library with reputable collections and knowledgeable staff, but also will become a welcoming and comfortable public space and a valued community asset for years to come,” added Jane Diamanti, Director of Library Services. “We are delighted that our new space will allow us to more effectively respond to the growing demands for our programs and services from the more than 80% of Halton Hills households that have an active library card.”

“We have already seen the immediate positive effects that enhanced facilities can have by looking at the first few months of usage of our newly opened library branch in Acton,” said Ms. Diamanti. “In the month of March 2011 al one, items checked out from the Acton Branch increased by 74% over the same period as last year. Early circulation reports for the month of April show an increase of 82%.”

The facility renovation and expansion provides for significant structural alterations to the Cultural Centre. These alterations include improvements to the shared entrance lobby and washrooms to allow for greater space and functionality, a multi-function meeting room, a dedicated coat check and concessions area, and a second set of washroom facilities for Theatre users. In addition, the plan calls for a well-placed access hallway from the backstage to the lobby eliminating the need for actors to go through the Library.

“The renovated Cultural Centre will support and enrich a variety of arts and cultural opportunities for the enjoyment of Halton Hills residents,” said Terry Alyman, Director of Recreation and Parks. “As part of our commitment to foster healthy living in our community, this improved facility will enable us to offer a broader range of enhanced educational and cultural services.”

The Halton Hills Public Library Board received $11.6 million in funding for the Georgetown Library Branch project with another $1.9 million for approved alterations to the Cultural Centre. More information about the construction project including architectural renderings of the new facility can be found at the Halton Hills Public Library website.

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