Public libraries play a vital role in the life of their community. They are community hubs, providing a central access point for cultural and recreational programs and services, along with health and social programs and services to nurture community life. The McConnell Library was opened in 1960 and expanded in 1987. This expansion was intended to carry the Library through another twenty-five years of growth—this is now past, and the current infrastructure is limiting the Library’s ability to provide expanded services to the community and deliver pre-existing services. As library collections and services continue to evolve, the existing space is inadequate, and the need for a new Library is past due.
The McConnell Library serves as the Central Library for the Region (consisting of the CBRM and Victoria County). It holds the most extensive circulating collection, a unique local history collection, and a regional storage collection. In addition, it houses the central office for all the Region’s branches, including shipping/receiving and inter-regional library deliveries. In the last two years, the delivery of materials has increased exponentially. The Library attracts close to 100,000 visits each year.
A new Sydney Central Library will replace the existing aging McConnell Library and function as a community-based creative learning library, serving both the roles of a local branch and regional service.
We envision a new space that will:
- Be user-friendly, safe, accessible, welcoming and customer-focused;
- Offer flexible spaces achieved through practical and intuitive design;
- Create inviting and comfortable spaces through the use of natural light; and allow for growth.
Community members, the CBRL Board and Staff continue to work towards the goal of a new central library for Sydney and the surrounding area.
Progress so far:
December 2024: The Library Board recently commissioned a study of potential locations in the downtown for this important piece of social infrastructure. This report, along with results of the public survey, will be presented to CBRM council.