Building On Our Heritage:

The New Orillia Public Library

Things are really moving along with the plans for the upcoming new library. In order to keep our patrons informed as to what is going on when - we have set up a blog.

Why are we using a blog? A blog is an online journal where users post thoughts, comments or news in a chronological format. Updates are frequent and regular.

The Library/Market Square Project Team want to ensure that there is a clear flow of information out to all interested parties. As well, the Team wants to make sure that information comes to them and can be passed along to the architect team.

With a blog, information can flow seamlessly and progress reports can be updated regularly.

We hope you will all take the time to read our blog and send us your thoughts on this exciting project. We will be adding information for you on a regular basis as this project progresses.

We look forward to reading your opinions on this exciting project.

Dawn Silver
CEO, Orillia Public Library

Find our blog and all information on the new Library/Market Square Project here...

Some of the questions we have been asked are..

• Why does Orillia need a new library?
• With computers and the internet people don’t need libraries any more – since books are outdated technology does Orillia really need a larger library?
• Why does the library need 45,000 sq.ft?
  That’s the same size as the Barrie Public Library and Barrie has three times our population.
• Why should a new building be built now?
• How is the new library going to be funded?
• Why should the new library be on the Market Block?
• What are the benefits of locating the new library in the downtown?
• Why are you planning a new building with so many vacant buildings in the city?
• Why didn’t you put an addition on to the present building?
• Why don’t you just build a branch library?
• Will parking be a problem?

Find the anwers to some of our FAQ here...

The answers to these questions and information on the progress of the new Library Building can also be found in the reports below. We will add each report as it becomes available so you can stay up to date  on the progress of the NEW ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING. Simply click on one of the titles below for report you wish to view.

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Reports & Studies

• Outgrowing Our Building (.pdf format)
• Building Feasibility Final Report (.pdf format)
• Building on Our Heritage (.pdf format)
• Architectural and Planning Study part1 (.pdf format)
• Architectural and Planning Study part2 (.pdf format)
• NEW...Fundraising Feasibility Study - Final Report (.pdf format)
• Orillia Library Draft Final Report. October 2007. (.pdf format)
• NEW... DMA Operational and Facility Program Study October 2007 (.pdf format)