NANAIMO, April 2, 2011: The Board of Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) has awarded the Request for Proposal (RFP) for construction of a new, larger library facility for Cumberland at 2727 Dunsmuir Avenue, across from the current library, to Steam Engine Estates.

Ronna-Rae Leonard, chair of VIRL’s Board of Trustees, said that the Village of Cumberland had requested that VIRL undertake an RFP process for a larger library to be located in the downtown core on Dunsmuir Avenue and accessible by bicycle.

“We’re excited about the new location. The 2,865 sq. ft. building has been designed by architects Chow Low Hammond, who have extensive knowledge in library design,” Leonard said.

The current 840 sq. ft. Cumberland branch would require extensive upgrades to bring it up to acceptable level, but it would still not meet the needs for a 21st Century library.

Rosemary Bonanno, VIRL’s executive director, said that the new site will allow for expansion of library services.

“The larger library space will allow us to expand our collection, offer more public computers with Internet access, and provide public spaces with comfortable lounge seating for reading, quiet study, and areas for children’s programs,” Bonanno said.

Construction is expected to start soon after Steam Engine Estates completes the permit application process with the Village of Cumberland.