New loos for the library

The City of Cranbrook has assigned funds for a renovation of the washrooms at Cranbrook’s public library

1 of 2Ursula Brigl, chief librarian, and Diane Costerton of Allied Design, are preparing designs for new washrooms for the Cranbrook Public Library. — Marie Milner photo

2 of 2Diane Costerton of Allied Design and Ursula Brigl, chief librarian, are preparing designs for new washrooms for the Cranbrook Public Library. — Marie Milner photo

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Patrons of the Cranbrook Public Library will be delighted to learn that plans are in the works to renovate the public washrooms in that facility.

Chief librarian Ursula Brigl explained that because of cost and timelines, the washrooms were not updated during the renovation that took place before the library moved into its present location in 2006. However, the City of Cranbrook—which supplies the library with an annual operating grant—has reserve funds for necessary improvements, and has included the washroom reno in its budget for this year.

“Fortunately,” said Brigl, “we will be able to use the existing in-ground plumbing, and that will keep the costs down. The library’s interior block will be gutted and reconfigured to include a children’s washroom, wheelchair-accessible washroom and public washrooms, all accessible from the main corridor across from the circulation desk. The design will enable us to have doorless entry into the public washroom areas, and we’ll be working to current green environmental standards.”

Brigl is working with Diane Costerton of Allied Design to complete the plans for the renovation. The plans will go out to tender, and it is hoped that the project will be completed by year’s end.

“It’s important to us that the library be a welcoming space,” Brigl said, “and we intend that the new washrooms will be attractive as well as functional.”