Halifax councillors to debate new downtown library

A cafe and auditorium are among the features of a new $42-million library beingproposed to replace the 50-year-old existing one in downtown Halifax.

The new building, which would sitat the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street, would triple the size of the current library across the road.

Regional councillors are scheduled to debate the proposal on Tuesday.

But it has the support of Bernie Smith, with the Spring Garden Road Business Association.

"Obviously, we're delighted to have a signature building built in the Spring Garden area, and we feel that a library is structural to our activities anyway," Smith said.

The new library would have about 25 per cent more books, as well as more public computers and study and meeting rooms. A 250-seat auditorium is a key feature.

The estimated price tag for construction, furniture and equipment is $42 million. The municipality would cover most of the costs over four to five years, though the plan includes a fundraising campaign.

Councillors will be asked to approve the project in principle Tuesday and put out a call to interested developers.

If approved, the new library would be built over the next four to five years.