You deserve a new Central Library

Central Library comes up a lot in conversation these days.

The support I hear from users and non-users, and the value people place on a new Central, is exciting.

I know it’s a tough time to ask for money. There are many needs, priorities and ways to spend, and I agree it’s important to be cautious and make wise decisions.

Libraries are valuable spaces in tough times. We don’t charge entry fees, and you don’t have to buy anything to stay for a while. There’s lots to do, lots to learn, and lots to discover.

With more than 400,000 visits in the past 12 months, Central Library is our busiest location, and use is increasing. It is a community hub that welcomes people from across the city and from every ward.

Let me tell you what’s going on at Central…

Your demand for library meeting rooms has increased as non-profits, boards, and community organizations look for affordable places to host meetings and events.

More kids and parents have been using the children’s play area, particularly after we introduced a MakerSpace – a place where kids work together on fun projects.

The number of school visits and tours for new users has increased.

Central has the highest amount of computer usage and the largest use of available hours across the system.

The Self-Serve Sound Studio – used to record music, podcasts, and other audio-visual projects – is booked at almost 100 per cent capacity most days.

Central is an activities branch. People still browse and borrow books, but it’s more of a destination to participate in programs, attend events, share stories, watch films, and visit the art gallery.

Modern central libraries are places for creativity, learning, sharing ideas, and cultural exchange. But the current Central was built in 1962 when a library’s primary function was to house books.

It wasn’t created for what’s needed now. And with all this new activity and new people, we have run out of room.

So, we must build something that suits the people of Regina. We’ll use our knowledge of modern library facilities to build an efficient, accessible, and affordable downtown library – one with space to provide the services our community wants… and with a few modest surprises thrown in for good measure.

The commitment of debt funding from City Council, coupled with the library’s mill rate, will allow us to do that. We won’t need debt funding until 2026 at the earliest, and not as one lump sum.

We are looking at other sources of funding including other levels of government, community grants, and fundraising. Any money we get will offset the amount needed through the City.

City Council’s approval of funding last summer has allowed RPL to move forward with procurement. We have requested input from developers and will soon invite proposals for the project. It’s a long process: we don’t expect to find the best option until late 2025.

Right now, we must move forward. If we delay, construction costs and costs to maintain the current building will increase.

Meanwhile…

There are thousands of newcomers who’ve never had a free library card and can’t wait to attend Central programs and use library services.

There are Indigenous youth who want to rediscover their culture and meet weekly at Central to sing and drum and learn the traditions of their ancestors.

There is a promising young artist who is recording her first album.

There are people who thank us for helping them find a job, get a degree, learn a new language, and more.

Great library design doesn’t have to be expensive. But it’s not going to get any cheaper.

Regina Public Library will continue to be fiscally responsible.

We can’t wait to work with the community to build a space that’s right for you.

You deserve a modern Central Library.

Think about that as you head to the polls.