9THUNDER BAY — The library's children's programming is oversubscribed and an expansion is in the works to help meet the growing demand.
The library reports that upwards of 10,000 more children attended programs in 2024 than in 2023, and TBPL is doubling the space for books, play areas, and programming rooms.
The library's CEO, Richard Togman, said the demand for children's programs has exceed pre-pandemic participants.
"We have waitlists for most of the programs, and we’re straining to meet public demand," he said in a release.
Thunder Bay Public Library has announced an expansion of Waverley Library’s lower level children's space due to the rising program demand and community space needs.
"We’ve hit all-time highs, including pre-pandemic numbers, for our programming across the system. We’ve also had to turn away community groups looking for spaces to host their gatherings, especially children’s groups."
Currently, AETS (Anishinabek Employment and Training Services) operates in half of the basement space. However, according to the library's release AETS' lease has expired and the organization will vacate by the end of May.
AETS has declined to comment at this time.
In an interview on Monday, Togman said a request for proposals will be issued shortly for designs and costing. He's hoping interior work will start by the fall or winter of this year.
As the project is still in the early stages, Togman hopes that interior upgrades and retrofitting of the space will be completed in 2026 and will not cause too much disruption to the current space and programming. He indicated that any structural upgrades for the older building will be managed throughout the duration of the project.
The Friends of TBPL are supporting the project through their 50/50 lottery.
