THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Public Library was delighted to provide local dignitaries and special guests with a sneak preview of the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library today. Although the facility is not yet complete, the Project Manager, Ed Cameron from SNC Lavalin O & M, showed guests key features of the new state-of-the art building and provided an update on construction progress.
Since the official ground-breaking ceremony in July 2010, significant progress towards the completion of the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library has been achieved. “Construction is on schedule with exterior work nearing completion and interior work now in the final stages. The drywall is complete and painting is currently underway,” said Terry Yahn, Chair of the Board for the Thunder Bay Public Library.
The new Mary J.L. Black Branch will be a lifelong learning and leisure hub for children, families and businesses in the Westfort neighbourhood and City of Thunder Bay, replacing an aging 70 year old building in need of significant upgrades and repairs.
In October 2010, Thunder Bay Public Library announced a $250,000 fundraising campaign, led by a volunteer committee. To date, several local businesses, organizations and community members have pledged contributions totalling approximately $150,000. An additional $100,000 must still be raised to complete the campaign.
Patrick Morash, Chair of the Fundraising Committee, commented that; “The construction of the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library is on time and budget and that’s great news! We are encouraged by support for the fundraising to date and we are still looking for public support for the ‘Your Neighbourhood Link to the World’ fundraising campaign. All funds raised through this community effort will be used to purchase essential library furnishings, equipment and collections to complete the facility.”
The construction of the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library is the first priority in the long-range renewal plan for the overall Library system. The new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library is on schedule to open in the spring of 2011.