A plan to merge the Port Lambton and Sombra libraries has been endorsed as County of Lambton staff continue work to address space constraints and accessibility challenges at local branches.
It was presented to the Committee of the Whole in Wyoming on Wednesday and included a draft renovation plan to modernize and improve accessibility at the Sombra site.
Deputy Warden, and St. Clair Township Mayor Jeff Agar wanted to make sure both branches couldn't remain open.
"Port Lambton has way more patrons coming there, I realize probably there's not enough room to add on. Maybe there is, or isn't, I'm not sure on that part, but I didn't really read anywhere [if] we could just drop hours and keep them both going," Agar said.
County staff said the Sombra Library currently has 150 valid cardholders, while the Port Lambton branch has 226.
Cultural Services Division General Manager Andrew Meyer told the group the challenge with the Port Lambton branch is its size.
"That sort of prompted the study to look at how can we make our spaces accessible and provide modern library service," Meyer said. "As you know, within that community centre, it's a relatively small space, so we can't offer programming and other services to the community."
The Port Lambton branch, located inside the Community Memorial Hall, is only 748 square feet.
Meyer said the Sombra expansion was prioritized after staff learned a long-term childcare tenant, that shared space in the St. Clair Parkway building, would be ending their lease and vacating.
"The close proximity within six kilometres to Sombra, we felt that we could provide an enhanced library service. Expanding from about 1,300 square feet to 5,000 at Sombra with the childcare vacating where we could provide those programs and opportunities within the space," he said.
Meyer said merging the two locations will increase opening hours.
"We found that the hours at both locations, being 12 hours per week, are quite limiting in terms of convenience to the residents," Meyer said. "So, being able to double the hours in one location and create a centralized service point for the residents in that area was really desirable."
Renderings of the expansion show a new and accessible service desk and the conversion of several washroom spaces, formerly used by the childcare operator, to create a new barrier-free washroom.
County library staff will continue discussions with St. Clair Township officials.
If the township gives consent, the Port Lambton branch would close once renovations are complete.
The renovations will only proceed if funding is allocated in both the county and municipal budgets to share the cost.