A preliminary report on the library and upper floor theatre here have found the building to be in good shape structurally.
The report was authorized by the information, heritage and seniors committee, which oversees the 14 libraries in Wellington County, and was contained in the committee’s report to county council on Sept. 26.
The Palmerston library is a Carnegie library structure and is slated for renovations in 2015 with a budget of $2 million.
“The purpose of the report was simply to inform the library board as to the structural condition of the … building,”
chief librarian Murray McCabe told the Advertiser.
He said the review, conducted by Tacoma Engineers, indicated “the library structure is in good condition with no structurally significant remedial work required.”
The county has five Carnegie libraries. Those in Elora, Harriston and Mount Forest have already undergone renovations, while Fergus is currently under renovation and Palmerston is next in the county’s five-year plan for library upgrades.
“A more comprehensive design analysis will be required if the project is to proceed to construction,” the engineering firm reported.
The Palmerston library was constructed in 1903, according to the report.
The engineers also inspected the former theatre, which is located on the upper level of the building but not in use.
“We understand that there is a desire to resume use of the existing theatre located within the library structure on the upper level,” the engineering firm stated.
“The purpose of this investigation is to provide preliminary comments with respect to the adequacy of the existing structure to be reused as a theatre.”
“(There’s) lots of interest in the project overall, including the theatre, but beyond the engineer’s report no decision has been made about the exact renovations that will be required. We do know that accessibility requirements will play a significant element in the project,” McCabe said.
