While the decision on a $7.4-million Uptown Master Plan has been shelved until the end of the month, a long awaited makeover for Leamington's library is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Council awarded Windsor's Vince Ferro Construction the $1.3-million tender to modernize the Leamington Branch of the Essex County Public Library on St. John St. and Erie St. N.
The library hasn't had more than general building maintenance and a few minor tweaks since the '70s.
The project — which will cost the municipality $1.6-million with design costs and the renovation of a temporary space — will give the institutional building more natural light and have its infrastructure completely redone.
Leamington's CAO Peter Neufeld tells AM800 News the building will become more than just an information centre.
"We have space that will include a music recording studio, a video production studio, which will entice our young people to come learn, experiment and create," he says. "A place for people to meet, it is one of the three pillars of the revitalization for our uptown."
Neufeld says some people question the need for a library in the internet age, but having short-term access to computers, services, and equipment without having to invest in purchasing those items themselves will never become obsolete.
"That's the key, this kind of education is free to the public, it is an asset to the community and helps to bring people to the uptown core," he added.
He says the temporary space near the corner of Erie St. S. and Countess St. will maintain the library's current level of service.
Neufeld says the upgrades will begin in October and should be completed by the spring of 2019.