SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEEDS ASSESSMENT DECEMBER 2017
MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS LTD. 10225 100 AVENUE EDMONTON, AB T5J 0A1 CANADA T: 780.429.3977 MANASCISAAC.COM Spruce Grove Public Library is the most inclusive service in our city. The Library is free and welcomes people from all economic walks of life, offers support to everybody, and brings us all together.
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY PATRON COMMENT, 2017
BONNYVILLE MUNICIPAL LIBRARY E EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY 2017 NEEDS ASSESSMENT • This 2017 Needs Assessment Report for the Spruce Grove Public Library applies up-to-date standards from the 2010 Standards & Best Practices For Public Libraries in Alberta, Government of Alberta, Municipal Affairs, and population statistics from the City of Spruce Grove and the Government of Canada that project towards a successful library designed for the year 2032. This year allows for the greatest capacity of a single library to serve a population before a branch library should be implemented.
EXISTING SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY • The existing Spruce Grove Public Library, built in 2007 as part of Melcor Cultural Centre in King Street Plaza, has a square footage of 16,000 ft2. King Street Plaza, including Melcor Cultural Centre and other tenants, is located at 35 Fifth Avenue, Spruce Grove, Alberta.
CURRENT & PROPOSED POPULATIONS AND LIBRARY USE • In 2017, Spruce Grove’s population is 34,881 and the Library serves a population of 41,857. • In 2032, the projected Spruce Grove population is 52,401 with a medium-scenario projection from ISL Engineering and Land Services 2016 Spruce Grove Growth Study. • The Library Board has indicated that its service population includes residents outside of Spruce Grove, and requests a design population to include an additional population of 5,599 to total 58,000. • Therefore, the design population for 2032 is 58,000.
THE SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY 2032 SPACE REQUIREMENTS • Utilizing the 2010 Standards & Best Practices For Public Libraries in Alberta, Government of Alberta, Municipal Affairs, Space Planning Worksheet with a collection at the “enhanced” level (mid-range between the minimum “essential” and outstanding “exemplary” levels), the required square footage for Spruce Grove Public Library in 2032 is estimated to be 43,966 ft2. Spruce Grove Public Library’s 1 role in the community
2 Spruce Grove Public Library and patron use
Is there a need for more space? 3 The space requirement i
INTRODUCTION
A LIBRARY...“A library is a safe space where In June of 2017, Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd. was retained by the Spruce Grove Public everyone can come Library Board for consultation on gathering input from the public on the community’s to learn, create, and needs and library space needs and to prepare a Needs Assessment report on Library facility connect with their expansion. community …” CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE Kate Keith-Fitzgerald, The City of Spruce Grove is a suburban community situated 11 kilometres west of Librarian and teacher, Lewes Public Library Edmonton and adjacent to the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County. Major industries From “This Is What a in the Spruce Grove area include transporation, food processing and distribution, Librarian Looks Like” by Kyle Cassidy oilfield and industrial manufacturing, hospitality services, warehousing and supply, and professional services. As part of the Tri-Municipal Region including the Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, and the City of Spruce Grove, the City shares amenities such as The TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre, a recreational multi-purpose facility. Much of the City is residential with commercial areas scattered around residential neighbourhoods. The City Centre downtown core is located on the southern edge of the City along Highway 16A, and south of the Highway is an industrial area.
HISTORY OF SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY Spruce Grove’s library was founded as a Spruce Grove Community Library in 1961 in the Village council office on Highway 16 and King Street. Local volunteers helped to renovate the room into a small library, housing a collection donated by community members and supported by small municipal and provincial grants. After one year, the Library had a membership count of 213 patrons.
In 1968, the Library occupied a space on First Street. Then, in 1972, it moved into the Yellowhead Regional Library basement. Next, the Library expanded to a 1,500 ft2 space in the Town administration building (King Street and Fifth Street) in 1974 and hired its first professional librarian. The Library expanded its hours, reference service, and interlibrary loan service, and introduced family and children’s programming, storytime sessions, book displays, and special events. In 1975, the Library was approved for municipal status and became Spruce Grove Public Library. A collection of 7860 items served a membership of 1588 patrons, with 21,457 items circulated in 1975.
The Library moved to Shenfield Centre in 1981 and introduced videocassettes and books on tape to collections. Later that decade, computers were introduced to the Library and an automated catalogue was introduced. The Friends of the Spruce Grove Public Library
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 1 SPRUCE GROVE LAND-USE MAP
LIBRARY 2007-PRESENT
LIBRARY CITY CENTRE advocacy and fundraising group was incorporated in 1990. In 1991 the Library had VEHICLE ORIENTED PARKS AND RECREATION outgrown its location again and moved to King Street Mall. ESTABLISHED NEIGHBOURHOOD MOBILE HOMES In 1999, the Library restructured its information services with the increased availability of HAWTHORNE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY the Internet and new opportunities for interlibrary cooperation. By joining The Alberta MIXED RESIDENTIAL & Library (TAL) community, Spruce Grove Public Library was now able to provide access to COMMERCIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAIL & collections from across the province. SERVICE INDUSTRIAL In 2007, the Library moved in to its current location, a space shared with the Spruce Grove DIRECT CONTROL Art Gallery in Melcor Cultural Centre at 35 Fifth Avenue. Since 1961, the Library has grown PUBLIC SERVICE INSTITUTIONAL URBAN RESERVE into a modern community hub that connects and supports residents of Spruce Grove and MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY the surrounding area.
2 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S MISSION & VISION
MISSION The Library is a home for information and a meeting place for the A COMMUNITY... sharing of knowledge and ideas. “I value the VISION The Library continually sparks curiosity and nurtures the needs and atmosphere, generation of interests. Children and youth are encouraged to celebrate resources and their individuality, ideas, and voice through reading, writing, and community the technology. Source: Spruce Grove Public Library Library affords. My Library is a place SPRUCE GROVE POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS where it is safe for Spruce Grove’s population in 2017 is 34,881 according to the Spruce Grove 2017 Municipal me to just come and Census. When the Library moved in to its current location in Melcor Cultural Centre in 2007, be there to do what the City’s population was approximately 19,496 as per the 2006 Federal Census*. From 2006 I need to do that to 2017, the population increased by 79% - nearly a doubling of residents. The Library today day, all while being serves not only Spruce Grove, but also the catchment population of the surrounding area, myself.” which is approximately 20% of the current population, for a total of 41,857.
Patron comment, 2017 Within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region (EMR), Spruce Grove was the second fastest Spruce Grove Public Library growing urban community between 2001 and 2011 at 5.1% and had the third highest community survey growth rate between 2011 and 2015 at 5.2%. Spruce Grove was designated as a Priority Growth Area in the 2009 Capital Region Growth Plan, along with eight other communities, which suggests that the EMR will direct growth to Spruce Grove through expanding infrastructure and developing transportation corridors and employment areas.
Specifically, Spruce Grove is part of the Tri-Municipal Region along with the Town of Stony Plain and a portion of Parkland County. Communities in the Tri-Municipal Region share similarities in demographics and occupation profiles. Regional collaboration on facilities has been prioritized since at least 2009 in the Recreation and Culture Indoor Facility * There was neither a Canadian Federal nor a Spruce Grove Strategy which aimed to develop facility plans that included the needs of all communities Municipal Census in 2007. in the Tri-Municipal Region.
While the Library and other cultural services are primarily used by residents of Spruce Grove and the Tri-Municipal Region, the EMR population also uses these facilities. The EMR population is projected to increase by 23,000 per year in the low growth scenario and 31,000 per year in the high growth scenario as per the Spruce Grove 2016 Cultural Master Plan. The Plan acknowledges that cultural organizations in Edmonton, such as the Edmonton Public Library, will absorb much of this growth, but other libraries in the EMR will be impacted by the population growth through their unique cultural offerings.
Spruce Grove’s most recent land annexation occurred in 2007 when it acquired 572 hectares (5.72 square kilometres) from Parkland County for residential and commercial expansion, allowing the City to expand eastward. Previously, annexation expansion occurred westward toward the Town of Stony Plain in 1991. The City is considering further annexation. SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 3 LIBRARY DESIGN POPULATION FEEL AT HOME... A municipal library is typically planned and built to serve a design population, which “A place to go on a accounts for the current and future needs of the community it serves. Therefore, the cold winter’s day. A current population as well as the projection population either to a defined point in the place to take kids to future (i.e. 15-year projection) or to a defined population (i.e. 50,000 people) are considered read or do activities. It in determining in a design population that ensures the Library not only meets the needs of is a free place that the present but also the future. people who are low income can go and Spruce Grove Public Library’s current location opened in Melcor Cultural Centre in King feel at home. Their Street Plaza in 2007 with approximately 16,000 square feet of space, with 2,000 additional kids can participate square feet occupied by the Spruce Grove Art Gallery and some shared with the Art without having Gallery. There is no indication of the design population used for the construction of the to pay. I just like Library in Melcor Cultural Centre. For small cities and towns, without detailed information the Library as a on various space specifications, approximately one square foot of library space is required comfortable place to per person. The population of Spruce Grove when Melcor Cultural Centre was built, as per visit.” the 2006 Federal Census, was 19,496. As such, the Library was likely designed to meet the current and short-term needs of Spruce Grove without a long-term growth strategy. Patron comment, 2017 Spruce Grove Public Library Central libraries are typically designed to meet the needs of a community up until a community survey population of 50,000, at which point the library branches to satellite locations. Comparable municipalities in Alberta follow this model.
There was neither a municipal nor a federal census in 2007 so the 2006 Federal Census data was used for the historical population of Spruce Grove, using the opening of Melcor Cultural Centre as a starting point. The 2017 Federal Census was used for the current population of Spruce Grove.
For this Needs Assessment, population projections from the ISL Engineering and Land Services 2016 Spruce Grove Growth Study were considered. The Spruce Grove 2016 Cultural Master Plan indicates a growth strategy planning for a 20-year horizon, varying from 2031 to 2035. The Cultural Master Plan references the Spruce Grove 2012 Transportation Master Plan’s projections from 2012 to 2040, specifically the population in 2031 based on anticipated build-out of existing residential areas.
The Library Board, the Library Needs Assessment Team, and Manasc Isaac have projected a 15 year growth plan in alignment with the City’s Cultural Master Plan for a population of 58,000 in 2032. The projected City population in 2032, using a medium case growth scenario, is 52,401, according to the ISL Engineering 2016 Study. The Library Board indicated that the Library will continue to serve residents of the Tri-Municipal Region, such as residents of Parkland County, and that a growth estimate should include these library users. As such, the Library Board has estimated the service population outside Spruce Grove as part of the design population.
4 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT ACTUAL DESIGN DESIGN ACTUAL POPULATION & FOR 2017 DESIGN PROJECTED POPULATION
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ACTUAL* PROJECTED** DESIGN POPULATION
CITY CITY CITY + SERVICE POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION
2006 19,496 2017 34,881 41,857 2027 (10 year) with 2.7% annual growth 46,394 2032 (15 year) with 2.3% annual growth 52,401 58,000 2037 (20 year) with 2.1% annual growth 58,468
* 2006 Federal Census and 2017 Municipal Census data provide actual populations for the City of Spruce Grove Table 0.1 ** P opulation projections are medium case growth estimates obtained from ISL Engineering and Land Services 2016 Spruce Grove Growth Study
2017 & 2032 POPULATION
TOMORROW: SPRUCE GROVE & AREA**
TODAY: SPRUCE GROVE & AREA*
2017 2032 TOTAL POPULATION DESIGN POPULATION 41,857 58,000 * 2017 Spruce Grove Municipal Census ** 2 016 ISL Engineering and Land Services Spruce Grove indicates a population of 34,881. The Growth Study projects 52,401 medium case scenario for Library serves a catchment population 15 years (2032). The Library Board determined a design of 20% of the City population, which population of 58,000 based on the surrounding service results in a total population of 41,857. population and other factors.
In the pages that follow, this report illustrates the ways in which the expansion of Spruce Grove Public Library is a vital and integral component to the City of Spruce Grove’s growth as a community, not only in terms of the services it provides, but more importantly, in the creation of meaningful, inspirational and substantive experiences for a range of residents and visitors alike.
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 5 1
A SAFE PLACE... SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S “Our library is an active member of the ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY community. It provides important services to SERVING THE COMMUNITY the public, a The 2010 Standards and Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta publication by safe place to be and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs of the Government of Alberta, identifies 18 service free unhindered access responses to help libraries set goals and assess how a library meets its community’s needs. to information for Programming and services are focused on a select few service responses that libraries everyone..” across Alberta identify based on the diverse, unique needs of a community. Spruce Grove Public Library focuses on four of the following service responses to meet the unique needs Patron comment, 2017 of the City of Spruce Grove*: Spruce Grove Public Library community survey 1. Be an informed citizen 10. Learn to read and write 2. Build successful enterprises 11. Make career choices 3. Celebrate diversity 12. Make informed decisions 4. Connect to the on-line world 13. Satisfy curiosity 5. Create young readers 14. Stimulate imagination 6. Discover your roots 15. Succeed in school 7. Express creativity 16. U nderstand how to find, evaluate, * The service responses are not intended to be a 8. Get facts fast and use information comprehensive list of every 9. Know your community 17. Visit a comfortable place service or program offered in 18. Welcome to Canada public libraries. The 2016 Spruce Grove Public Library Plan of Service expands on the four focused service responses to help guide its programming to best serve the community.
CREATE YOUNG Children from birth to age six will have programs and services READERS built on a foundation of curiosity and love for literacy and learning that results in reading, social, and school readiness skills. Families, parents, and caregivers will have resources to foster a love for literacy and learning at home, in the community, and with the online world to reduce isolation, establish a network, and sustain family units.
EXPRESS All residents will have the technology, programs, and services CREATIVITY that inspire creative a professional curiosity and interests that are supported with opportunities for self-guided learning and presentation of work. Youth ages 7 to 17 and seniors will have programs and services that focus on inter-generational learning.
6 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT All residents will have barrier-free access to non-partisan and KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY unbiased information and resources that promote and support community services and civic pride in Spruce Grove. Local FREE RESOURCES... businesses, organizations, and agencies will build a sustainable “I love that I can get community and benefit from shared expertise, networks, free resources for my promotions, and resources that reduce duplication of services children. The library in Spruce Grove. allows me to get books, movies, and All residents, despite socio-economic status, will have barrier- offers programs that A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO VISIT free access to a safe and non-judgemental environment where they can be a part of.” they feel they belong and have uninhibited access to current,
Patron comment, 2016 accurate, and consistent information from home and anywhere Spruce Grove Public Library in the world. Students of all ages will have a quiet place to community survey study and focus. Source: 2016 SGPL Plan of Service COMMUNITY FEEDBACK In 2017, Manasc Isaac consulted for Spruce Grove Public Library on engaging the community for feedback on the Library facility. The community engagement campaign followed a theme of “#outofspace,” to inform the public of space challenges and to initiate social media and in-person conversations on the uses of the Library and the potential for improved services through facility expansion.
Library staff gathered patron comments through #outofspace postcards that were distributed at community events and in the Library. The most common responses included an interest in more space for the Library, concerns on limiting parking at the Library’s current location, suggestions on adding a storey to the current location, and concerns about the noise level of the children’s area. An equal number of respondents suggested they value the traditional quiet library environment as those who suggested they value the Library’s role as a community hub with technology offerings.
The 2017 Spruce Grove Public Library Service Assessment Survey gathered feedback from Library patrons (see Appendix for full survey results). Highlights from the survey include the following:
• Over half of respondents indicated there is an urgent need for an expanded library by responding that there is a need for a larger library in the next one to three years.
• When considering the important design elements to a new library, survey respondants most frequently commented on an expanded childrens area and a greater number of community meeting rooms.
• The Library should play diverse roles in the community, including supporting literacy, local history, education support, lifelong learning, community hub, youth engagement, research services, innovation hub, and offering a safe place. Source: Spruce Grove Public Library
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 7 SOCIAL CENTRES... 2017 MUNICIPAL ELECTION - CANDIDATES’ FORUM “Libraries are On September 26, 2017, Spruce Grove Public Library and Manasc Isaac held a forum becoming social for mayoral and council candidates who were campaigning for the October 16, 2017 centers where municipal election. Vivian Manasc (Principal Architect, Manasc Isaac) moderated the forum people can come for and spoke on the future of libraries and library innovation around the world. Members recreation or to learn.” of the public interested in library issues, as well as representatives from various arts and culture societies in the City, engaged with mayoral and alderman candidates at the forum. Mario Veyna-Reyes, Children’s Services Librarian, Las Vegas – Clark County Prior to the forum, all candidates were asked questions via email. The following responses Library District provide a snapshot of candidates’ views on the Library space issue (full responses included From “This Is What a Librarian Looks Like” by Kyle in the Appendix): Cassidy • “I would certainly love to see the library receive additional space so that the area does not feel so cramped. The addition of space means more freedom for existing programs, as well as the possibility for additional programs.”
• “As a former high school work experience coordinator and a current teacher of students with special needs, I value the employment opportunities the library has provided for young adults with diverse learning needs.”
• “A needs assessment must be completed and City Council must be willing to follow through on the recommendations and find creative ways to meet the needs.”
• “I fully believe that our library has something to offer for everyone within our community. The space is a barrier-free, non-judgemental, and unbiased place for residents to enjoy.”
• “The library is often crowded so I believe that space is imperitive. If we project the usage out five years without any expansion of space, we’ll have a serious problem that must be addressed.”
The forum was held in a speed-dating style in which candidates were stationed at tables around the Library and the public helped candidates answer three key questions on arts, culture, and the Library. After eight minutes, a buzzer was sounded and the public would visit a different table. This format allowed candidates to speak with the public one-on-one, and the questions because a launchpad from which the Library space issue in general was discussed. The questions and responses are included in the Appendix.
Spruce Grove citizens speaking with mayoral and council candidates for the 2017 election at the Library’s arts and culture candidates’ forum on September 26, 2017
8 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT PROGRAM STATISTICS Spruce Grove Public Library offers storytime programs to support early literacy and enjoyment of reading, creativity development programming, community support programming, and casual programming designed to create a safe community space. The Library features an “Innovation Lab” which allows for all ages to access robotics, sewing, typewriting, and engineering tools to develop skills in an educational environment. The Library supports the local Aboriginal population through educational, ceremonial, and outreach programming for Aboriginal peoples.
Table 1.1 describes the programming offered at the Library, categorized by the service response fulfiilled, with the number of sessions and number of participants. In 2007, the Library had 113,879 in-person visits and 4,120 total program participants. In 2016, the Library had 157,173 in-person visits and 17,477 total program participants. From 2007 to 2016, the total number of program participants increased by 324%. There has been a sustained increased in program participation over the past decade, in particular, programming serving the “Express Creativity: Create & Share Content” library service response.
The Library offers programming in a 1,000 ft2 program room shared with the Art Gallery, a makerspace program room, and in the main stacks area near the facility entrance.
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMMING STATISTICS FOR 2016 2016 # OF # OF SESSIONS PARTICIPANTS Create Young Readers: Early Literacy 210 4,467 Express Creativity: Create & Share Content 589 11,194 Participate, Connect, Engage 18 841 Visit a Comfortable Space: Physical & Virtual Spaces 31 975 Total 848 17,477
Table 1.1 Source: 2016 SGPL Annual Report A SNAPSHOT OF PROGRAMMING PARTNERSHIPS
Family & Parent Link Community Culture Centres Support Days Alberta Services Art & Health awareness Services initiatives
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 9 TECHNOLOGY & THE POPULATION... “There’s a huge and growing barrier to technology facing a large portion of our population. Millions of people don’t have direct access to technology or understand how to use it. Libraries provide free tools and e-literacy services with patience and
compassion.” Clockwise from top left: Children’s area full. Truth and Reconciliation event held in Library space outside Art Gallery entrance. General stacks area used for Candidates’ Forum event . Innovation Lab full with various programming occurring.
Dolly Goyal, Library Director, Los Gatos Library From “This Is What a Librarian Looks Like” by Kyle Cassidy 2017 SERVICE ASSESSMENT SURVEY ROLE OF THE LIBRARY - PATRON RESPONSES
Besides traditional library services, please check the other role(s) the library should play in the community. Check all that apply. (Question 8, 362 respondents)
80
70
60
50
40
PERCENTAGE (%) PERCENTAGE 30
20
10
0
Source: 2017 SGPL Service Assessment Survey
10 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT FUTURE GENERATIONS... “I used the library as 2 a child as a place I could walk or bike to. I rediscovered the SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY library when my AND PATRON USE youngest son was having problems in Located on the boundary of the community’s City Centre, Spruce Grove Public Library grade one with the is an asset to nearby public and commercial buildings and recreation areas. It is located alphabet and learning within the 10-minute walkable radius of the City Centre core and directly shares space with to read. I continue the Spruce Grove Art Gallery, and indirectly shares a building with City Engineering and to use the library now other tenants. Patron use statistics were provided by the Library Board for every year from for materials to help 2007 to 2016, with the year 2007 selected as a base point because 2007 was the year that pass the time on my the Library moved into its current location. The growth from 2007 to 2016 in patron use long commute. I am is a growth in use within the same facility that has not been expanded over the decade. sure it will be a source of books for reading With library expansion comes the opportunity to not only update the collection through in my retirement. It is a weeding, but also to provide adequate shelving and storage to sustain the increasing truly a cradle to grave demand for collections. institution and one that needs to be protected and SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY nurtured for future COLLECTIONS & CIRCULATIONS, 2007 | 2016 generations.” 2007 2016 COLLECTIONS Patron comment, 2017 Spruce Grove Public Library Print Collection 35,676 54,796 community survey Audiobooks 856 2,409 Music 3,909 3,272 DVDs 9,321 Games N/A 333 Other 132 554 Total Collections 39,936 71,322 CIRCULATIONS Total Items Circulated (Physical & Electronic) 242,385 328,718 INTERLIBRARY LOAN Borrowed 23,163 60,122 Loaned 27,061 38,333 Total Interlibrary Loans 50,224 98,455
Table 2.1 Sources: 2007 & 2016 SGPL Annual Reports
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 11 TOTAL VISITS
IN-PERSON VISITS SPRUCE300000 GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARY USE, 2007 - 2016 VIRTUAL VISITS
250000
200000
150000
100000 NUMBER OF VISITS
50000
0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Sources: SGPL Annual Reports
There has been a 105% increase SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY in virtual visits and a 38% LIBRARY VISITS & VIRTUAL VISITS FOR 2016 increase in in-person visits from 2007 to 2016, suggesting that both the physical and virtual 157,173 LIBRARY IN-PERSON VISITS LIBRARY VIRTUAL spaces are in demand for Spruce 95,231 VIRTUAL VISITS Grove Public Library.
2017 SERVICE ASSESSMENT SURVEY LIBRARY USE - PATRON RESPONSES What do/would you use the library for? Check all that apply. (Question 7, 399 respondents)
90 Patrons often make “virtual visits” to gather information on 80 library items and services and will make an “in-person visit” to 70 access materials, resources, and
60 programming.
50
40
PERCENTAGE (%) PERCENTAGE 30
20
10
0
Source: 2017 SGPL Service Assessment Survey
12 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT A CULTURAL CENTRE... “Today’s library is 3 a place for social interaction as well as quiet reading. IS THERE A NEED FOR MORE SPACE? It is a community cultural center, not simply a repository Spruce Grove Public Library currently operates in a 16,000 ft2 facility designed to serve for books. It is a a population of less than 20,000. With a City population of 34,881 in 2017, based on the welcoming building population alone, the Library is in need of more space designed with strategic solutions with a design focus to make that space cost-effective and valuable. The specific space needs to serve the on transparency, not community until 2032, are calculated later in this section using space planning worksheets a series of isolated from 2010 Standards and Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta (Government spaces.” of Alberta).
From “Designing 21st The City of Spruce Grove 2016 Cultural Master Plan indicates that the Library is facing Century Libraries,” Peter Gisolfi. Library by Design, an “acute” need for more space, and the report specifically suggests examples of potential Spring 2014 facility partnerships and the value of a downtown library location.
• “The Library’s need for expansion will be particularly acute given pressures on their existing facility today.”
• “The Library was simply felt to be outgrowing its current facility and location given the number of visitors attracted by its innovative programming. The Library’s location was also felt to make the facility ‘invisible’ and difficult to find.”
• “[The Library is] constrained by the inadequate size and layout that makes it difficult to extend programming in response to changing community need.” Source: City of Spruce Grove
Clockwise from top left: Meeting room overflow. Computer pod stations all occupied. Staff work station with book bin storage in office. Parking lot full with overflow occupied.
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 13 LIBRARY, PUBLIC ZONES
LIBRARY, STAFF & ACCESSORY ROOMS
EXISTING LIBRARY FLOOR PLAN LIBRARY + ART GALLERY SHARED ZONES MELCOR CULTURAL CENTRE | KING STREET PLAZA | CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE
The Library shares its major In the Library’s 2017 Community Survey, programming space with the Art many respondents suggested that the Gallery, which limits the Library’s children’s area is not adequate and that access to programming space. The it should be larger, located farther away Art Gallery is interested in a space from exit doors for children’s safety, and that is not shared with the Library have soundproofing or noise separation as it has encountered issues with to not disturb patrons in other areas of the shared space as well. the Library.
7
The 2010 Standards and Best Practices for Public ART GALLERY + Libraries in Alberta publication indicates that, if located in a shared facility, the Library should SHARED SPACE 9 , 7 5 4 2 have a separate entrance that is not shared with 2,000 ft other building occupants. The Library does not 6 have a separate entrance from the Art Gallery. This can create security issues when the Art Gallery has programs when the Library is closed. 4 , 8 7 5 ENTRY 4 , 8 7 P E T 6 G P N 3 0 GMNH60 GMNH48 GMNH60
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2 4 , 8 7 1
N 9,754 9,754 9,754 9,754 4,877 G' K L M N P
The Library does not have adequate access The City of Spruce Grove parking bylaw requires 2.2 to electrical and cable outlets to support parking spaces per 100 m2 of library space. At 1,486 current technology. The Library has adapted m2, the Library requires 33 parking stalls and currently by providing electrical outlet towers for patron has 40. However, the demand for Library services and technology access requirements (e.g. laptops). absence of overflowing parking areas has meant that This takes up much-needed space and means 40 parking stalls is not sufficient. By 2032, 90 parking that additional cords are present, potentially stalls will be required for a 4,085 m2 space, and this will creating a safety issue. Floor boxes with allow all patrons to have access to Library parking. electrical outlets would alleviate the issue.
14 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT THE LIBRARY COLLECTION IMPACTED BY SPACE As of 2016 Spruce Grove Public Library statistics, the Library’s collection is 0.69 items per capita below the average of “essential” and “exemplary” Government of Alberta library collection standards (see Table 3.1 below)*. Further, the Library is below “essential” standards (1.5 items per capita for print materials), and as such, the Library’s collection is AN ANCHOR... below the minimum requirement for basic library services. “New library buildings illustrate how to By 2032, the Library will need an expanded collection to meet the needs of its 58,000 serve patrons best in projected design population. It is important to note that a large collection is not spaces that anchor necessarily a strong and modern collection; the Library must continue to update its communities, inspire collection through weeding and strategic planning for acquiring collections while noting learning, and model the numberical requirements for items. what public buildings The Library in Melcor Cultural Centre cannot accommodate the increased collection can be.” required by 2032. At present, the Library is near capacity for its collections and the shelving From “The New Icons,” height makes the collections not universally accessible. Through library expansion, a Louise Schaper. Library by strategic layout will allow for the display and storage of collections. Design, Spring 2011 The table below indicates the current collections as of 2016 and their associated items per capita, compared to the average of essential and exemplary standards based on the 2010 Standards & Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta (Government of Alberta), and the shortfall in collections by 2032 based on a projected design population of 58,000.
* The “Standards & Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta”
publication is under review in 2018. For this report, the 2010 BELOW SHORTFALL OF CURRENT COLLECTION FOR 2032 2032 COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS publication is the most recent CURRENT THE COLLECTION IS STANDARD version.
2016 ALBERTA 2032 2032 CURRENT ITEMS COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS SHORTFALL OF STANDARDS COLLECTION
TOTAL ITEMS, ENHANCED ADDITIONAL COLLECTION TOTAL ITEMS ITEMS PER CAPITA STANDARD OF ITEMS REQUIRED COMPONENT REQUIRED HELD (current) ITEMS, PER CAPITA BY 2032
PRINT MATERIALS 54,796 1.31 2.0 116,000 +61,204 PERIODICALS & REFERENCE 554 0.013 0.004 232 0 AUDIO MEDIA 6,318 0.15 0.15 8,700 +2,382 VIDEO MEDIA 9,654 0.23 0.23 13,340 +3,686 TOTAL 71,322 1.70 2.38 138,272 +67,272
Table 3.1 Sources: 2010 Standards & Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta & 2016 SGPL Annual Report
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 15 SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY - 2032 SPACE REQUIREMENTS To provide the required square footage for Spruce Grove Public Library in 2032 per the projected design population (category 1), the 2010 Standards and Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta (Municipal Affairs, Government of Alberta) space planning worksheet has been completed as per “essential” and “exemplary” “Essential service levels fulfill those requirements absolutely levels. The “enhanced” level is an averaged value between the Standards’ “essential” necessary to provide basic library and “exemplary” levels. Full calculations are included in the Appendix. service.”
“Exemplary service offers recommendations/suggestions to enhance the basic elements 2032 - SPACE PLANNING WORKSHEET and to strive for outstanding EXCERPTED FROM 2010 STANDARDS & BEST PRACTICES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ALBERTA, GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA library service.”
2010 STANDARDS & BEST DESIGN POPULATION PRACTICES FOR PUBLIC A. CURRENT LOCAL POPULATION (FOR COMPARISON ONLY) 41,857 LIBRARIES IN ALBERTA B. PROJECTED LOCAL POPULATION 52,401 C. PROJECTED NON RESIDENT SERVICE POPULATION 5,599 1 D. TOTAL (B+C) = 58,000
ESSENTIAL ENHANCED EXEMPLARY (MINIMUM) (MID-RANGE) (OUTSTANDING) COLLECTION SPACE A. BOOKS: # OF VOLUMES 8,700 11,600 14,500 FT2 B. AUDIO MEDIA: # OF ITEMS 580 870 1,160 FT2 C. VISUAL MEDIA: # OF ITEMS 870 1,305 1,740 FT2 2 PERIODICAL DISPLAY: # OF TITLES 116 155 193 FT2 D. E. PERIODICAL STORAGE: # OF TITLES 2,056 2,056 2,056 FT2 F. TOTAL (A+B+C+D+E) = 12,322 15,991 19,659 FT2
PATRON SEATING SPACE A. PROJECTED POPULATION (FROM STEP 1D) 58,000 58,000 58,000 B. 5 SEATS/EACH 1000 PEOPLE 290 290 290 SEATS 3 C. # OF SEATS 8,700 8,700 8,700 FT2
STAFF WORK SPACE A. # OF WORKSTATIONS 3,625 4,375 5,125 FT2 4 MEETING ROOM SPACE* A. GENERAL MEETING: # OF SEATS 360 360 360 FT2 B. CONFERENCE ROOM: # OF SEATS 780 780 780 FT2 C. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: # OF SEATS 400 400 400 FT2 5 D. COMPUTER TRAINING LAB 700 700 700 FT2 E. TOTAL (A+B+C+D) = 2,240 2,240 2,240 FT2
* Meeting room space is calculated based on the number of seats (36 in this case). The number of seats is not directly related to the design population, and the number of seats required is subject to change during the feasibility study and schematic design stages as SGPL determines what is required for meeting rooms.
16 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT ESSENTIAL ENHANCED EXEMPLARY (MINIMUM) (MID-RANGE) (OUTSTANDING) SPECIAL USE SPACE A. COLLECTION SPACE (FROM 2F) 12,322 15,986 19,649 FT2 PATRON SEATING SPACE (FROM 3C) 8,700 8,700 8,700 FT2
STAFF WORK SPACE (FROM 4A) 3,625 4,375 5,125 FT2 6 MEETING ROOM SPACE (FROM 5E) 2,240 2,240 2,240 FT2 B. SUBTOTAL 1 (SUM OF 6A ITEMS) = 26,887 31,301 35,714 FT2 C. MULTIPLY SUBTOTAL 1 BY 0.1 = 2,689 3,130 3,571 FT2
NON-ASSIGNABLE SPACE A. SUBTOTAL 1 (FROM 6B) 26,887 31,301 35,714 FT2 B. SPECIAL-USE SPACE (FROM 6C) 2,689 3,130 3,571 FT2 7 C. SUBTOTAL 2 (A+B) = 29,576 34,431 39,285 FT2 D. MULTIPLY SUBTOTAL 2 BY 0.25 = 7,394 8,608 9,821 FT2
PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTER WORK SPACE 8 A. WORKSTATIONS 770 928 1,085 FT2
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER A. COLLECTION SPACE (FROM 2F) 12,322 15,986 19,649 FT2 B. PATRON SEATING SPACE (FROM 3C) 8,700 8,700 8,700 FT2 C. STAFF WORK SPACE (FROM 4A) 3,625 4,375 5,125 FT2 D. MEETING ROOM SPACE (FROM 5E) 2,240 2,240 2,240 FT2 9 E. SPECIAL USE SPACE (FROM 6C) 2,689 3,130 3,571 FT2 F. NON-ASSIGNABLE SPACE (FROM 7D) 7,394 8,608 9,821 FT2 G. PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTER WORK SPACE (FROM 8A) 770 928 1,085 FT2 H. GROSS AREA NEEDED (A+B+C+D+E+F+G) = 37,740 43,966 50,191 FT2
2032 SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY SPACE ANALYSIS SUMMARY The Space Planning Worksheet suggests that Spruce Grove Public Library requires, for the “ENHANCED” TOTAL anticipated design population in 2032, a total of 37,740 ft2 to meet “essential” standards GROSS AREA NEEDED = compared to 50,191 ft2 to meet “exemplary” standards. Currently, the Library occupies approximately 16,000 ft2 in Melcor Cultural Centre in King Street Plaza. Governmental 43,966 FT2 standards indicate that needs assessments and community considerations influence whether a library will strive for essential or exemplary service levels. Essential levels “fulfill those 2 (4,085 M ) requriements absolutely necessary to provide basic library service” while exemplary levels “enhance the basic elements and strive for outstanding library service.” Previously, the Library has relocated frequently in response to changing demands, without adequately anticipating growth and community needs. It is recommended that Spruce Grove Public Library considers meeting levels between essential and exemplary standards. By averaging essential and exemplary space needs calculations - the “enhanced” service level - it is determined that the Library requires 43,966 ft2 of space to meet the needs of the community in 2032.
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 17 HOW MUCH MORE SPACE IS NEEDED IN 2032? The below infographic shows the existing space of Spruce Grove Public Library in comparison with the space needed to fulfill the projected design population in 2032. This infographic uses space calculations averaged between essential and exemplary standards, calculated using the Space Planning Worksheet on the previous spread.
(SEE APPENDIX: 2010 STANDARDS & BEST PRACTICES FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ALBERTA)
15,986 FT2 COLLECTION SPACE
BOOKS, AUDIO MEDIA, VISUAL MEDIA, PERIODICAL DISPLAY & STORAGE
8,700 FT2 PATRON SEATING SPACE
2 4,375 FT STAFF WORKSPACES • AT 150 FT2 / STAFF WORKSPACE
2 5,370 FT MEETING & SPECIAL USE SPACES • CONFERENCE SEATING AT 30FT2 / SEAT GENERAL MEETING, CONFERENCE ROOM, • COMPUTER TRAINING CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS, COMPUTER TRAINING LAB, LAB AT 50FT2 / SEAT SPECIAL FURNISHINGS & PROGRAMS, • SPECIAL USE SPACE CONSTITUTES PHOTOCOPIERS, REFRESHMENT AREA, POTENTIAL 12% OF THE OVERALL GROSS AREA REVENUE GENERATOR SPACE
2 NON-ASSIGNABLE SPACE 8,608 FT • CONSTITUTES APPROX.25% OF STORAGE ROOMS, WASHROOMS, MECHANICAL, THE OVERALL GROSS AREA JANITORS CLOSETS, CORRIDORS
2 PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTER WORKSPACE 928 FT • AT 35FT2 / WORKSTATION
(1CUBE=1000 ft2 APPROX.) EXISTING SPACE +SPACE NEEDED SPACE TOTAL 16,000 FT2 + 27,966 FT2 = FOR 2032 43,966 FT2
18 MUNICIPAL LIBRARY NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT The diagram below is a schematic representation of additional space CURRENT (2017) required for each function, according to the calculations on the previous + spreads. ADDITIONAL BY 2032
+ + COLLECTIONS
PATRON COLLECTIONS SEATING
PATRON NON-ASSIGNABLE SPACE SEATING WASHROOMS, STORAGE, HALLWAYS
+ + STAFF WORKSPACES NON-ASSIGNABLE SPACE WASHROOMS, STORAGE, HALLWAYS
STAFF WORK + SPACES MEETING & PUBLIC MEETING & SPECIAL USE SPACE COMPUTERS SPECIAL USE SPACE
+ PUBLIC COMPUTERS
+
CURRENT PARKING: PARKING FOR 2032: 40 STALLS 50 ADDITIONAL STALLS = TOTAL 90 STALLS
SPRUCE GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY // MANASC ISAAC ARCHITECTS 19 THE LIBRARY IS A COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE, A LEARNING PLACE, A PLACE IN WHICH TO GROW, BOTH IN LIFE AND IN KNOWLEDGE.