The Thompson Nicola Regional Library will continue planning for — what will be — a third library in Kamloops.

It comes as the TNRL received a renewed mandate from the TNRD at a committee of the whole meeting to continue searching for a new site for the library in southwest Kamloops.

Following that, a report outlining a site, development, and funding options for a third library in the City of Kamloops will go before the TNRD Board of Directors at a future meeting.

Speaking at a Committee of the Whole meeting Friday, TNRD Director – and Kamloops City Councillor – Mike O’Reilly says it’s no secret, there is a shortage of library space in the Kamloops area.

“We know in our Official Community Plan, where the growth for the city is mapped out — our future growth, and where it will be. — When something comes back to the board with options, operating costs, and leasing costs or building costs will all be included.”

However, O’Reilly says a stand-alone, one-story library is not feasible.

“Land cost is too high to only do one building or one level and we need to look at what else can be included; whether that be a housing above, which again, we are very short on housing, or whether it be integrated with Emergency Management BC,” said O’Reilly.

“You talked about meeting spaces and office spaces that are desperately needed, so looking at some form of partnership with them, and whether that’s through government or private sector as well.”

Sun Peaks Mayor Al Raine says he has some hesitations, including costs to the taxpayers.

“Finances are important… We did a little survey and the survey said everybody wants more services, but they don’t want to pay money,” explained Raine.

“I think if we took this to a public referendum, in my opinion, it would get killed because the taxpayers can’t take a $17 million building, nor can they take an additional $5 million in operating costs.”

Raine said he believes a more innovative way needs to be taken when it comes to library services.

“The social aspects of what libraries can deliver I agree with, but we have to be realistic. I don’t think it is responsible for the board to say: ‘Go ahead, buy the property and then we figure how the hell we run this and where the money is coming from.'”

Now, TNRL Chief Librarian Judy Moore says identifying a site for a library in the City’s southwest will be in the works.

“Everything starts with that site, it is really looking at obtaining the correct site that is suitably positioned proximate to main thoroughfares — convenience is a huge factor when we consider public library developments — So it would start with the site,” said Moore.

In March 2022, the TNRD was planning to build a new library in a parking lot on Hillside Drive, however, Moore says it was not the right time, which is why they are now in search of a new site. 

“Our ideal site is in the magnitude of about one acre, somewhat flexible on that note, level ground is always a good thing, lower costs.”

As for the cost, Moore says the costs are unknown, though she adds they will be looking at partnering with other organizations.

“Like co-locating potentially with housing, with daycares, other services, etc. I think that that we’re going to have to look towards something like that similar to our North Kamloops library where we have residents right up overhead,” explained Moore.

“The TNRD is very proud of being able to cost control for its facilities. So all of our libraries and facilities are owned by the Regional District, which enables us to cost control.”

Once they secure a site, Moore says they will look at funding it, including through capital funding opportunities.