The $6.5 million dollar renovation will help modernize the library
Libraries are an essential part of Quebec’s culture, and the Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO) library is no different. First opened in January of 1992, the library is now undergoing its first ever renovation.
The library, located within the DDO Civic Centre, is currently offering appointments to borrow books due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In March 2020, the library was going to move to the basement, and renovations were set to begin. Although COVID-19 delayed that process a little bit, the renovations officially began on May 11.
The renovation is planned to take at least a year, according to the town of DDO’s website. The cost of the renovations totals about $6.5 million, with the majority of the money coming from the town of Dollard-Des-Ormeaux. The federal and provincial governments also contributed to part of the cost.
Seeing as this is the first renovation, it suggests that many changes are going to be made. According to a representative of the library management team, one of the changes is that the children’s section will double in size. Also, projectors will be installed in two areas, something the library didn’t have in the past.
The comfort of patrons is also being taken into account. The reading salon will be upgraded with comfort and coziness in mind, according to the library representative. Overall, the renovations will make “the new facilities more modern.”
A representative of the library management team also said that the aim of the renovations “is to create a new, more welcoming and functional space for all patrons who come to the library.”
The staff is very much looking forward to the finished renovations.
“Libraries aim to offer a space that is both practical and convivial, and the renovations will help us do just that,” said one representative.
When asked about what they are most looking forward to for the patrons, the representative said “seeing the reactions of patrons when they first enter the renovated library. It’ll be a big change, and we think our patrons will really appreciate and enjoy the new facilities.” In spring of 2021, old and new library members alike will be able to enjoy a new and improved library.
Photograph by Rhea Guiliana