One hundred years since the incorporation of Nelson’s library, the City of Nelson is looking to the future with plans for a purpose-built new facility to house the Nelson Public Library. The proposed new Library is the first public building constructed in Nelson since the Nelson Civic Centre was built in 1935, and when built will be a demonstration of green, sustainable construction. A key component of the Library’s 2017 – 2021 Strategic Plan, the new Library will offer greater spaces for the community to gather, and for accessing resources, programs and technology toward broad public benefit.

About the project:

• Application for funding has been made to the Federal and Provincial governments through the  Community, Culture, and Recreation (CCR) Program
• The new library site, adjacent to City Hall and across from the Court House, completes a triad of public buildings around a central plaza and is positioned as a centrepiece for downtown Nelson 
• The project is comprised of an 18,760 square foot (1,743 m2) public library with a four-storey, 32-unit, residential component above (the residential component is not part of the funding application)
• The project aligns with the City of Nelson Official Community Plan, the Sustainable Waterfront and Downtown Master Plan, Nelson Path to 2040’s Sustainability Strategy, and the Downtown Urban Design Strategy 
• The project is key to the development of a District Energy System, which will lower Nelson’s GHG emissions

 For more information about the new Nelson Public Library project, please read the comprehensive plan.