Building for the next 100 years…
The Kaslo & District Public Library (KDPL) celebrated 100 years on December 18, 2020. After 40 years of operations from the ground floor of City Hall, it has become challenging to offer the full range of library services of a modern public library in our small space. The time has come to plan for a new facility to better serve the community ‘for the next 100 years’.
The KDPL Board has made it a priority to work towards a new library in the 2019-2023 and interim strategic plans.
Under current legislation (see the Library Act), Public Library Associations can not own land or buildings. The Village is working in partnership with KDPL towards a new library and will be the owner of the building after it is constructed. KDPL will enter into a long term lease agreement with the Village to operate from the new building.
Summary of progress
Thanks to a strong working partnership with the Village of Kaslo, dedicated fundraising & planning committees, and community support via donations, grants, and events there has been excellent progress so far:
- The Kaslo Library Building Select Committee formed in 2019 with representation from Village Council and the Library Board. Meetings are held as needed to make recommendations to Council and the Library Board on site planning and design, grant opportunities, asset management and more to further the new library project. Meetings are open to the public.
- Land is secured at the corner of Front and Fifth Streets. Thanks to outstanding support, this phase of the New Library Project was completed by June 2021 as outlined in celebration poster [pdf]
- A 2021 donation of $200,000 jump started the New Library Building Fund. See estate donation press release [pdf]
- On September 21, 2022, updated design plans [pdf] developed by Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects were presented in an open house. Key changes include greater accessibility, improved energy efficiencies and use of carbon neutral materials. Mechanical, electrical, and structural systems were developed as well as a more accurate cost estimate (class B) to provide direction and support grant applications.
- By December 2023, local donations, grants, and fundraising efforts surpassed $760,000.
- The one-page Progress Report [pdf] illustrates how funds have been used to date (land purchase & detailed plans) and the steps required before we can begin construction (grant writing & fundraising).
Donations & Payments
- Donations are gratefully accepted by the Kaslo & District Public Library and the Village of Kaslo.
- Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable donation tax receipt.
- Online donations can be made using Canada Helps. Please specify that it is for the New Library Project.
- E-transfer is also accepted. Please contact us for instructions.
- At the library, we accept cash, cheques, debit cards, or credit cards.
- If mailing a cheque, please complete the donation form to facilitate issuing of tax receipts and honouring of acknowledgement preferences.
Fundraising Events
- Perimeter Plaque Challenge [pdf]. Share a quote or celebrate your family or friends with an engraved plaque that measures 4 inches by 2 inches. Cost is $200 per plaque. 58 plaques sold so far!
To keep informed, visit this page regularly. Contact us to provide input or ask questions.
Updated March 19, 2024
