The Taylor Public Library is taking steps towards claiming the entire main floor of the former District of Taylor Library and Medical Clinic.
The district of Taylor voted in favour of taking formal steps towards providing the vacant space in 10008 104 Avenue to the library. During the meeting, district staff recounted previous attempts to fill the area that was formerly used by the clinic. The process began last year when applications were initially received.
A request to use the space was submitted by the District of Taylor Library in 2024, but the council voted to grant the facility’s newly available main floor to another group. They ultimately backed out of the deal.
The basement was given to the Peace Crossing Historical Society, who won’t be impacted by the outcome of the library’s proposal.
In March of this year, the library reapplied for the entire upper unit.
“The library definitely is in need of more programming and storage space as we continue to create more programming for a wider base of audience. For this reason, we would like to request the use of the whole main floor of the shared space,” the director of the Taylor Public Library wrote to the district.
If the space is granted, the library director said they would add a multipurpose room and an area for local artisans’ work. The director also told the council if the space is leased to another organization, its users must be able to coexist with library goers, including young children.
Upon receiving their application this spring, the council offered the opportunity to other organizations. According to district staff’s report, there was no other interest.
“On the basis of utilizing the facility more effectively, we would recommend amending the current agreement with the library on the use of the additional space,” district staff wrote in their report for the council.
Bearing this in mind, the council voted to move forward in the process of formally accepting the library’s application to take the whole main floor unit. They said they are interested in a term of one to five years, but exact terms will be defined as the district moves forward.
