The new Central Library is one step closer to reality as the first round of public engagement for the concept design has been completed.

Janna Sampson, Director of Strategy and Communication, says SPL was looking for input on what people want preserved in the library, what they wanted changed, what would make it a welcoming and inclusive space and what it means to be from Saskatoon. She says they heard a lot of what people love about the existing library, about the local history, the theater, gallery and children’s story room, and how much people wanted to see more emphasis on theses things in the new library.

Sampson says the received feedback from people wanting to use local and natural materials and colours, feedback on how people are connected to the river and the sky, and how SPL can include the diversity of the community. She says accessibility was a major point in the feedback for the new building as well as things like lots of natural light, comfortable seating and a strong focus on the incorporation of plants and greenery.

Sampson says a full report on the feedback for the concept design is due up next month, then SPL will move towards the second stage of reviewing the schematic design. She says that’s when they will start to get into the interior spaces of the building, and will be starting that process in June. Sampson explains there will be similar opportunities for advisory committees and the public to provide input.

Between now and then Sampson says the Central Library design team has all the feedback gathered in February and have a lot of data to digest.