Vision and Benefits

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View a presentation of the People’s Place Vision

Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library, the Town of Antigonish, and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish propose to create a new Antigonish Town and County Public Library at 283 Main Street Antigonish. Called the People’s Place project this new and unique facility will replace a substandard public library and Community Access Program site that will enable other non-profit groups to build their capacity in a sustainable way. The Antigonish County Adult Learning Association and the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority’s Health Connections will be accommodated within the public library, sharing resources, technology, programming spaces, and expertise. Any non-profit group will be able to book any of the meeting or programming spaces within the new facility at no charge and make use of the technology and equipment

The two municipal councils have purchased the existing building and land at 283 Main Street for this project. The property is located in downtown Antigonish, in accordance with community and business owner’s wishes that the library be located on or near Main Street, and comprises approximately 1.5 acres of land and a steel frame building of 14,000 square feet. The property fronts Main Street and accesses College Street.
The overall project vision is based upon considerable public input through the Friends of the Antigonish Library and consultation with municipal and community organizations. The final design detail, however, will come from a series of over ten public consultations called “Placemaking Sessions”.

The People’s Place project involves the complete renovation of the existing structure to suit public library, ACALA, GASHA, and non-profit needs, including furnishings. This includes the following elements:

  • General public area
  • Library materials and public study areas complete with wireless coverage
  • Community technology (CAP) area
  • Family/children’s area
  • Youth area
  • Two program rooms capable of jointly seating 150 people
  • Community kitchen for nutritional counseling; life skills training; “eat local” demonstrations
  • Outdoor patio programming area with wireless coverage
  • Meeting rooms
  • ACALA programming area
  • GASHA Health Connections area for consultations and meetings
  • Display space for Heritage Museum displays and visual art work
  • Public Washrooms

The public have also identified the following key design requirements in the facility:

  • Use of green technology for heating and cooling as well as throughout the building to significantly reduce the current environmental impact of the building and property. Once open, there will be an educational component for the public as to the technologies used.
  • That the facility complements and enhances the Main Street area and neighbouring buildings and businesses.
  • That work done by local artisans (wrought iron, tile, textiles, wood, stone, etc.) be incorporated into the building where appropriate. Once open there will be public walking tour of the features created by local artisans.