New King City library, seniors’ centre ‘incredible’

Building is double the size of old one

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 22, 2021
Laura Broadley

A long awaited moment in King Township history is here.

The King City branch of the King Township Public Library and the King City Seniors’ Centre is now open.

Construction on the building at 1970 King Rd. started over three years ago in 2018.

“I think we’re all really excited for this day. It’s been years and years in the making, any big project like this. The library is more than double the size,” said Ashley Nunn-Smith, library CEO.

The new building is 1,951 square metres in total. The library building includes meeting and study spaces, a reading lounge, book and out-of-the-box collections, public-use technology, children and teen areas and a Make-It Lab.

“The community has been anxiously waiting to get back inside. I know the construction took longer than we hoped and, of course, the pandemic had an impact as well. But the community, I’ve heard from a lot of them, and they’re very excited to get back inside and we’re excited to welcome them,” Nunn-Smith said.

The cost of the building construction was $11.2 million, with funding coming from development charges, $3 million from township debenture, $1.6 million from parkland dedication and $200,000 from township funds.

The new building replaces the 725-square-metre building that housed the library and seniors’ centre at 30 Fisher St. It includes an efficient heating and cooling system, energy-saving LED lighting, exterior window glazing to reduce daily electricity use, an electric vehicle charging station and a storm water filtration system.

The new seniors’ centre includes rental space, community space and program areas.

Arlene Heaps was lined up at the grand opening on Nov. 8 to be one of the first people to see the seniors’ centre.

“I’ve been a resident for 46 years and I’ve been looking forward to this opening for a couple of years now,” she said.

Heaps said she wants the seniors’ centre to be able to host her and her friends for movies, dinners and other functions.

Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who sits on the library board, said it’s “incredible” the township is able to open the building given that it’s the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This facility is the full spectrum of ages, from young to old and everything in between,” he said. “The spaces were done in consultation with the community and seniors’ organizations.”

Pellegrini said it’s both previous and current councils that should take credit for the accomplishment.

“A building like this takes years. It was not just this council,” he said. “I thank everybody for their tenacity and their willingness to stick with it.”

The King City branch is open in a limited capacity for collection browsing and borrowing, limited computer and study space, photocopying, printing, scanning, faxing and township waste tag purchases.

The COVID-19 reduced branch hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Masks must be worn at all times. Washrooms are available. Service availability is limited and physical distancing and sanitizing is taking place. Proof of vaccination is not required for entry. Curbside service is available for those who can’t wear a mask.