December 1, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: City Librarian

Subject: Proposed Reconstruction of Maria A. Shchuka District Library

York Eglinton - Ward 28

Purpose:

To respond to the request from the Budget Advisory Committee that the City Librarian report back on the feasibility of reducing the size and scope of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library so that it is not deemed to be a district library and rationalize the reconstruction.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications to the Library's original capital submission except for the effect on cash flow resulting from deferment.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

At the November 16, 1999 Capital Budget Review meeting with the Budget Advisory Committee, the City Librarian was directed to report on the feasibility of reducing the size and scope of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library so that it not be deemed to be a district library and rationalize the reconstruction.

The Maria A. Shchuka Library, formerly the "main" library of the City of York Public Library, provides service to the entire community (1996 population = 146,534). Prior to amalgamation, reconstruction of this 24,000 square foot library was a priority of the City of York Public Library Board. Studies were undertaken to investigate reconstruction and expansion to 48,000 square feet. More recently, it was designated by the Toronto Public Library as one of the 17 district library locations. The current reconstruction proposal replicates the existing square footage and addresses the structural and service deficiences.

Comments:

The most recent study "Interim Report on Maria A. Shchuka Library Branch Feasibility Study Update" (July 1998) conducted by the Randolph Group in association with A. J. Diamond, Donald Schmitt & Company, summarized the following major deficiences:

(1) Internal building layout a labyrinth;

(2) A multitude of rooms and walls which make the collections virtually inaccessible without staff assistance (eg. children's collections divided into three separate rooms);

(3) Customers are totally unaware of the second floor since stairs and elevator are not very visible;

(4) Poor access and movement for those with disabilities (eg. one program/meeting room totally inaccessible);

(5) Insufficient seating and study areas;

(6) Inadequate, outdated and inefficient HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems;

(7) Collections overcrowded and poorly displayed;

(8) Sightlines are non-existent and therefore security problems abound.

In short, the present building does not function effectively as a district library.

As a district library, Maria A. Shchuka provides a higher level of reference service and collections than is available in neighbourhood branches. The community is used to, and expects this level of service, and anticipates it continuance. At a public meeting on October 21, 1999, the community was informed of the proposed reconstruction, and also of the plans for future service. The response to the proposals was very positive.

The branch is situated in an area of the city with high demands for services for children, youth and seniors. Enhancements to service such as improved computer and electronic resources, more study areas, literacy services, as well as improvements to Youth and Children's services have been identified as being essential to the needs of the community. A reduction of this library in size and function (ie. to a neighbourhood branch) would effectively diminish service levels for the community.

It is worth noting that although the Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre is in relatively close proximity to Maria A. Shchuka Library, as a neighbourhood branch it is not large enough to fulfill a district library function. It has a mandate as an arts centre which gives it a very different and special focus.

All other libraries in the district are categorized as neighbourhood libraries, and have neither the physical size nor collection depth to fulfill a district function.

Of particular importance in the proposed reconstruction project is the issue of partnerships. These partnerships have been thoughtfully conceived and executed to enhance both community and district library services:

(1) The Toronto Public Library has agreed to provide the land for an affordable housing component in partnership with the "Let's Build" initiative of the City of Toronto, Community and Neighbourhood Services. This has already been through an "expression of interest" process, and four proposals have been received.

(2) A Youth Resource Centre will be accommodated within the proposed square footage in partnership with COSTI, a highly respected and longstanding community organization. Such a partnership is dependent on the service mandate of a district library.

Conclusions:

In summary, the reconstruction of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library will provide a better, not a bigger library. Also, the combination of a district library in partnership with a youth centre and affordable housing would contribute to the development of the community and the planned revitalization of Eglinton Avenue.

It is not feasible to reduce the Maria A. Shchuka Library to neighbourhood status as this would result in a severe reduction in service and limit the Library's ability to respond effectively to identified community needs (eg. literacy, computer skills, special needs of families, youth, seniors, ELS and immigrant communities).

Contact:

Nancy Chavner, Director, West Region, Tel: 394-5005, Fax: 394-5009, E-mail: nchavner@tpl.toronto.on.ca

Lesley North, District Manager, West Region, Tel: 394-1005, Fax: 394-2781, E-mail: lnorth@tpl.toronto.on.ca

City Librarian

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