A city council vote is needed to confirm the Windsor Public Library board's pick for the temporary location of the Central branch.
"It'll be a great space in the short-term as we move and work in concert and have discussions with St. Clair College to see if there's a long-term play that really creates a dynamic and exciting library space for the entire city," says library board chair and Windsor mayor, Drew Dilkens.
The library system needs to move out of its marquee location on Ouellette St. by June 2019 after selling the building to the Downtown Mission in a $3.6-million deal.
Dilkens says the temporary location will likely house the branch for three to five years.
The Windsor Public Library board meets for its regular meeting on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
The mayor adds the board faced a choice between two downtown locations, unanimously backing one.
"Because it was unanimous, I think that should show the support to the members of the public that we think this is actually a very good move," says Dilkens. "I think it's a prudent financial move for the Windsor Public Library and I think it's space that will be very exciting for the members of the public."
Dilkens is staying tight lipped on the two locations, including the option the board didn't pick.
"Well, we won't go there yet because the rejected option, when it goes to city council, city council may want to consider the option that we didn't approve today. Certainly, we won't throw anything out."
As AM800 News told you in May, the city and St. Clair College are in talks to partner in a new downtown library to replace the current Central branch.