During their regular meeting on November 15, Russell Township Council received a report from the library board regarding the new branch in the Embrun Recreational Complex. The report compared four possible layouts for the new branch, including the investment required, and informed council of the best option. Council currently has $2,373,604 in reserve for capital investments, which was applied to all the options for consideration.
The first option was a 10,000 square foot branch with a capital investment of $6,367,700, with the reserve bringing it down to $4,013,776. The furniture for the new branch would cost an additional $150,000, and the library board estimated a total of $134,580 in annual operational expenses, including salary. Potential annual revenue was estimated at $69,000 from room rental, used book sales, and a store.
The second option was a 7,500 square foot branch with a capital investment of $5,190,300, minus reserves $2,817,076, and a furniture cost of $125,000. Operational expenses were estimated at $96,480, and potential annual revenue at $66,000.
The third option was a 5,000 square foot branch with a capital investment of $4,012,900, minus reserves $1,629,676, and a furniture cost of $115,000. Operational expenses were estimated at $93,380, and potential annual revenue at $62,000.
The last option was to close the branch in Russell and move it to a 15,000 square foot space in the Recreational Complex. The capital investment was estimated at $7,644,300, minus reserves $5,301,076, although this was noted to possibly increase due to the potential cost of retrofitting the Russell library branch building for the next occupant. The furniture cost would only by $150,000 because some of the current shelving could be reused. The operational expenses were estimated at $116,780, and the annual revenue at $72,000.
The last option was unpopular, as the current branch in Russell is serving the community well and is often used by residents. Therefore, the library board recommended the second option of a 7,500 square foot branch in the Embrun Recreation Complex. As this was just a report received, no vote was made.
