LIBRARY RELOCATION COMMITTEE'S REPORT

Hantsport's town council passed unanimously Deputy Mayor Harold Bulger's motion that the library relocation's committee “continue with the understanding that this project will not be started until all monies have been secured at no extra cost to the town, with the exception of monies already budgeted by the Town of Hantsport to complete the project.” The large number of citizens who are participating in the relocation committee shows great interest in the project, according to DM Bulger.

The committee of the whole hears presentations. Town council makes decisions. It will decide on the future of the library at its next meeting on April 1 at 7 PM at the town hall. 

The library committee made its report at the March committee of the whole meeting. It estimates the cost of relocating the library to be $145,000. The committee will look for $10,000 + maintenance costs from Hantsport, $15,000 from West Hants, $30,000 from Kings County, and $10,000 from Glooscap First Nations. The amount of contributions is based on usage. The Hantsport Library has 917 active members of which 601 are from Hantsport. The Friends of the Hantsport Library will raise the balance. An additional $55,000 will be needed later for cosmetic changes.

After examining all the available buildings in the town, the committee chose the Legion building as the best location for the library. The town owns it. It is in good shape. The upper level is solid and can handle the load of a library. The lower level had rooms which can be used for the Hantsport & Area Historical Society and for meetings. And it has a kitchen.  

In order to adapt the split-level building for the library, a three-stop vertical lift costing $28,500 is necessary for access to all levels. Other major expenses include $20,500 for adjustable shelving, $12,500 for furniture, and $12,000 for architectural services.

The new library is scheduled to open in August, 2015 - the  Annapolis Valley School Board's deadline. The library could have stayed in the school at a cost of $175,000 + maintenance to the town.