Site dedication held for new Thornhill library

Vaughan Weekly
January 7, 2014

 

The site dedication ceremony for Vaughan Public Libraries’ new Pleasant Ridge Library in Thornhill was held recently.

The new 8,500 square foot neighbourhood library will be built as an addition to the North Thornhill Community Centre at 300 Pleasant Ridge Avenue.

A community meeting followed the dedication, providing residents with an opportunity to view the proposed design.

“The new library will be named Pleasant Ridge Library and the design-build contract has been awarded to Maystar General Contractors in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt Architects,” announced Michael McKenzie, chair of the Vaughan Public Library Board.

The library will be located north of the existing community centre building in an area bounded by the existing tennis courts to the west, the parking lot to the north and east and the community centre building to the south.

“In addition to having the highest scoring proposal, Maystar General Contractors Inc. and Diamond Schmitt Architects submitted a design with the largest square footage and provided a realistic schedule including a targeted opening date in November 2014,” McKenzie continued.

“The team has integrated the Library Board’s vision into a barrier-free design that uses an abundance of natural light and glass and features a flexible and adaptable space with a clear span structure. The design creates a seamless transition from the North Thornhill Community Centre, yet will make the library a focal point in the community. We are confident that this thoughtfully designed library will provide residents with an exceptional library experience.”

Highlights of proposed services and collections that will be part of the new library include:

• Full suite of programs including storytimes, book clubs, technology training
• Materials for adults, youth and children on a wide variety of subjects, including popular and high demand materials and support for the school curriculum
• Technology such as word processing and presentation software
• Collaboration spaces for group study
• Storytime area that is part of the children’s area and invites participation
• An external reading garden that is connected to the children’s area

“The Pleasant Ridge Library will serve as a critical community space where people can enjoy reading, access an abundance of resources, learn and develop new skills, have fun with their families and share ideas with each other,” added Margie Singleton, CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries. “With the City of Vaughan, Maystar General Contractors Inc. and Diamond Schmitt Architects, we will build a welcoming destination that educates, excites and empowers our community.”

Pleasant Ridge Library is expected to open in November of this year. Until then, Vaughan Public Libraries continues to offer a 30-minute Family Storytime program in the Preschool Room at the North Thornhill Community Centre. The program runs on Thursdays at 3:45 p.m., from January 9 to May 29. Families are invited to take part in this excellent early literacy program.

For more information on the project visit VPL’s building blog accessible online at www.vaughanpl.info. The building blog provides updates on the progress of new libraries being built in the City of Vaughan and renovations being done to existing branches of Vaughan Public Libraries.